Sunday, November 17, 2024

Old and Memorable Photos from My Album

While Cleaning out my closet the other day, I found the following old photos of my younger years. 

Pleasant Memories, Indeed! 

The above is our Bublegram Photo with a Lighted Base ( Me and Macrine (RIP). Macrine and I had been married for over 63 years, Macrine joined her Creator on August 10, 2020.  

 

My First Winter in the US- December, 1959 in Pittsburgh. Pennsylvania



The David B Katague Family with My Mother-in-law ( RIP-Elena Nieva Jambalos), Chicago, Illinois, 1963.  From Left to Right: Me, Dodie, Dinah, Macrine with David E ( both RIP) and Elena Nieva Jambalos(RIP).

The David B Katague Clan- Kansas City Missouri, 1966.  From Left to Right Dinah, me, David E III, Macrine with Ditas in her lap and Dodie.  


University of the Philippines Student Catholic Action, (UPSCA). Liberal Arts Chapter with Fr, John Delaney, S.J. (RIP). 1954

The University of the Philippines Students Catholic Action- Central Council, 1953  

Meanwhile Here are the Suggested Ideal Times to Eat: 

Lastly, In September 1948, one of the most intriguing Marian apparitions in the Philippines took place at the Carmelite Monastery in Lipa. A young novice, Sister Teresita Castillo, claimed she was praying in the convent garden when a radiant lady appeared, floating on a cloud. This mysterious figure, dressed in white and holding a golden rosary, introduced herself as the "Lady Mediatrix of All Grace."
Over the course of fifteen apparitions, a shower of rose petals allegedly fell, with images of Jesus, Mary, and other biblical scenes miraculously appearing on them. The apparition stirred intense devotion and widespread attention.
However, in the 1950s, Sister Teresing faced immense criticism and left the convent. An initial investigation dismissed the apparition as “non-supernatural,” but a twist came decades later. A bishop reportedly confessed on his deathbed that he was pressured to sign a dismissal of the apparition. In light of this, the case was reopened in 1991, leaving the phenomenon and its true nature an ongoing mystery.

Have a Blessed Sunday, Every One. Be Kind to One Another!

   

Tuesday, November 12, 2024

Some Famous Bromances in the US Presidency and History

Just recently, I took photos of Batman and Robin playing with each other. It reminded me of the word Bromance. Both Batman and Robin are male-neutered cats, so loving each other is an example of a cat bromance. Here are several photos I took.






So what is Bromance?: A bromance is a very close and non-sexual relationship between two or more men. It is an exceptionally tight, affectional, homosocial male bonding relationship exceeding that of usual friendship, and is distinguished from normal friendship by a particularly high level of emotional intimacy.

   Meanwhile here's and example of a bromance that is famous and shaped political history in the US. 

President Obama and Biden
The president and his vice president were two of the closest in recent memory. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst

It is hard to find a more famous bromance than the one between former President Barack Obama and former Vice President Biden.

After competing for the Democratic nomination in 2008, Obama chose Biden to join him on the ticket as his vice president.

From runs and walks around the White House to laughing over sharing meals and playing golf, the two were constantly seen together over their eight years in office. They even made friendship bracelets for each other to wear.

Before leaving office, Obama delivered the eulogy at the funeral of Biden's son, Beau. He also presented Biden with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in a surprise ceremony.

When the Bidens' planned to sell their house in order to help their son's family during his illness, Obama offered to cover the mortgage and give Biden the money.

Former first lady Michelle Obama once said that her husband and Biden "really love one another."

After leaving office, Obama said he "gained a brother" in Biden. "I don't like him, I love him," Biden said of Obama.

Her are references of other political bromances, in arts and in entertainment world.  

https://www.businessinsider.com/political-bromances-us-history-2018-7

https://time.com/3768202/best-bromances/

https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-greatest-bromances-art-history

Another bromance is between Abraham Lincoln and Josha Speed, that change the course of American history.  In 1837 Lincoln moved to Springfield to practise law and met Joshua Speed. They shared a bed for four years. “No two men were ever more intimate,” is how Speed summarised their relationship. Just how intimate is a touchy subject among scholars.

https://theconversation.com/did-abraham-lincolns-bromance-alter-th.-course-of-american-history-68031

Food for Thought: Will Trump and Putin be another famous bromance in history?

 Or Trump and Elon Musk?  I doubt it! They will just used each other when both are benefited for Power and Money.  I predict that Trump and Musk bromance will end before the end of 2025, when the economy will turn for the worst and Musk loses money because of Trump's tariff on imported goods from China and other countries and other policies. 

Sunday, October 27, 2024

Ten American Celebrities with Filipino Ancestry

This is the 15th article on my blog series about the Philippines and Filipino-Americans in connection with Filipino-American History Month here in the US

🇺🇸🇵🇭 1. BRUNO MARS
Bruno Mars or born as Peter Gene Hernandez is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, musician, and as we have seen a dancer. It doesn’t get bigger than this superstar. The Uptown funk and Just the way you are singer’s mother is Bernadette San Pedro Bayot Hernandez, a Filipina from Cebu. She passed away in 2013 because of a brain aneurysm.
2. VANESSA HUDGENS
Vanessa is an actress and a singer. Our favorite Gabriela Montez of High School Musical and now our favorite trio in the Princess switch is half Filipina thanks to her mom Gina Guanco. Her mother Gina is from Manila while her father was of Irish, French and Native American descent. She has always been proud of her Filipino roots as well.
3. OLIVIA RODRIGO
This rising pop star is only 18, but is making waves in the music industry. Her songs “Driver’s License,” “Deja Vu,” have been trending everywhere. Olivia is of Filipino heritage as her father is Filipino-American. She has also stated that her great-grandfather moved from the Philippines to the US as a teenager and her family follows Filipino traditions and cuisine.
4. BELLA POARCH
Bella Poarch is pure Filipino indeed as she was born in the Philippines and adopted by an American family as a child. Interesting fact is she joined the U.S. Navy when she was 18 and served for four years, before becoming a social media star. Her edgy pop song “Build a Bitch” have made headlines and gone viral as well.
5. JACOB BATALON
Born Jacob Batalon in Hawaii, to Filipino parents, Ned of Spiderman no way home is a pure Filipino. His Filipina mother, who has always supported his dreams, is Eva Andres who is originally from Pangasinan here in the Philippines.
6. NICOLE SCHERZINGER
Nicole is an American born Nicole Prascovia Elikolani Valiente is a singer, actress, and television personality raised in Hawaii. She was the lead singer of the sexy beautiful group of pussycat dolls who became one of the best-selling girl groups of all time. She was their lead vocalist and her father is Alfonso Valiente which is of Filipino descent. She takes pride in being Filipino and have even performed at the Global Filipino Music Festival.
7. HAILEE STEINFELD
Hailee is an actress and a singer. Emily junk in Pitch perfect 2, Kate Bishop in the new marvel series, The Hawkeye and Emily Dickinson in the tb series Dickinson. Her maternal grandfather, Ricardo Domasin, was half Filipino who hails from Panglao, Bohol. She even said in an interview “I have Filipino blood in me and I’m so proud of that”.
8. DAVE BAUTISTA
Dave is an American actor and former professional wrestler. We know his as Drax of the Guardians of the Galaxy and six-time world champion WWE wrestler “Batista”. His father is Filipino, Michael Bautista. He is proud to be a Filipino and even brought Adobo on set of the Guardians which he recalls everyone wiped out.
9. ENRIQUE IGLESIAS
Enrique is a singer and a song writer. He has become one of the best-selling Latin music artists in history. Pure Hot Latino? No, this sexy pop star is half Filipino. His father is Julio Iglesias who married the beautiful Manila socialite and magazine journalist Isabel Preysler. She is a Filipina mestiza with Spanish ancestry.
10. GABRIELLA SARMIENTO WILSON (H.E.R.)
H.E.R., whose real name is Gabriella Sarmiento Wilson, is an R&B singer. She has become one of the most established and most awarded Filipino-American artists with four Grammys under her belt and top-charting songs like “Best Part” and “Damage.” She was born to a Filipino mother.

Meanwhile Here is the List of Filipino-American Executives in the Biden Administration. My daughter, Ditas Macrine Katague is on the list as Associate Director of Communications, Bureau of Census, Department of Commerce.


My Patio and Bougainvillas in Bloom. Photo Taken_ October 26, 2024 at THD💜.
💜THD is an active senior living community in downtown Walnut Creek, CA. Currently it has about 130 senior residents housed in 4 buildings with 147 apartment units. There is an in-house restaurant ( Newton's) and a Cinema. There is a small gym, yoga studio, small library and two meeting rooms. However, there is no Hall or Room that could be rented by residents for private parties ( birthday etc..) that could accommodate more than 50 attendees.   THD has 47 employees  (some are part time) and a Garage for Residents and Guests for Parking. THD has been awarded the Best For Senior Living Award for 2023 and 2024 by the Place for Mom organization. 
  I am the only Filipino-American Resident in this Senior Community. It is owned privately and hopefully will not be sold to a mega corporation for Senior living in the near future. This is my 17th month residency here and I am very happy with my living environment. Of course, there is no perfect place in the World and I believe THD and its employees are trying to do their jobs to the best of their abilities to enhance the residents well being and sense of belonging during the last stage of our lives.  But again there is always room for improvement. Suggestions for improvement have been posted in my previous blogs.

Friday, October 25, 2024

Philippines National Symbols- Tree, Flower and Bird

This is the 13th article on my series about the Philippines in connection with the celebration of Filipino American History Month here in the US


The link below list the state tree, flower and bird of all the fifty US States. Do you them all ? Please read, because these are frequent and common questions if you play Trivial Pursuit's Game. I love Trivia and the Jeopardy TV show. 

https://www.thegardenhelper.com/state~flowers.html#google_vignette

Meanwhile Do you Know the Philippines, National tree, flower and bird and Other National Symbols?

Aside from those stated symbols in the Constitution and in Republic Act 8491, there are only six official national symbols of the Philippines enacted through law, namely sampaguita as national flower, narra as national tree, the Philippine eagle as national bird, Philippine pearl as national gem, arnis as national martial art and sport and the Filipino Sign Language as the national sign language. Thus, there is a total of twelve official national symbols passed through Philippine laws.

There are symbols such as the carabao (national animal), mango (national fruit) and anahaw (national leaf) that are widely known as national symbols but have no laws recognizing them as official national symbols. The milk fish (bangus) is sometimes called the national fish but again not officially designated by the Government. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_symbols_of_the_Philippines#:~:text=Aside%20from%20those%20stated%20symbols,national%20gem%2C%20arnis%20as%20national


Lastly, Before the Spanish set foot in the Philippines, the coconut tree was the undisputed star of daily life. Prehispanic Filipinos mastered the art of using every part of the coconut tree—it was their source of shelter, food, alcohol, medicine, and even tools.

The leaves were woven into roofs, the trunk was used for building homes, and the sap was fermented into tuba (a local drink). The coconut also provided oil for cooking and medicine, while the meat was a staple food source. It was so integral that their day-to-day activities literally revolved around it.

In a way, the coconut tree was their version of a "Swiss army knife"—doing everything and more. Even today, the coconut remains a vital part of Filipino culture, and we owe a lot to this ancient connection.


Reminder Today: Filipino Cocktail Hour - Egg rolls, lumpia and Pot stickers along with San Miguel Beer will be served.

Monday, August 12, 2024

Is Public Display of Affection Good or Bad?

Just recently, I have observed that a male senior citizen visitor here at THD has displayed an example of PDA. On my way to Newton's the other day, I saw this gentleman,  putting his arm on another lady senior waist/back while they were on their way to lunch. I saw the same gentleman visitor at the Luau the other day mildly stroking/touching with affection the back of the senior Lady. I felt this is an example of a minor display of public affection. Is this Good or Bad? 

I am afraid this couple may be a victim of gossips if they continue this behaviour in public specially here at THD. This incident inspired me to do a little reading on PDA. Here's what I learned. 

A public display of affection (PDA) is any act of intimacy between a couple that is in view of others. Hugging, kissing, or holding your partner’s hand in public are some examples of PDA. Sharing a private intimate moment in a public forum such as social media can also be a form of PDA.

PDA can be a controversial subject. While some people support it and think it’s romantic, others disapprove of it and find it inappropriate and unnecessary.

In the article below💚, the authors discuss the benefits and negative effects of PDA on relationships, misconceptions and cultural boundaries around PDA, as well as the psychology of couples who show PDA. The authors also asked a psychologist who specializes in relationships for some tips on how to talk to your partner about PDA. In the examples below I was surprise that complimenting others, maybe an example of PDA. 

There are a few potential reasons why some couples may engage in frequent public displays of affection:

  1. Expressing strong feelings: For some couples, frequently showing physical affection in public is a way to express the depth of their emotional connection and feelings for one another. This can stem from a desire to share their love openly.
  2. Seeking attention or validation: In some cases, public displays of affection may be a way for couples to seek attention, validation, or approval from others. This could arise from insecurities or a need for external validation of their relationship.
  3. Impulsiveness or lack of self-control: Certain couples may simply have difficulty regulating their physical intimacy and feel compelled to express it publicly, even if it makes onlookers uncomfortable.
  4. Establishing relationship status: Overt public affection can be a way for couples, especially younger ones, to signal the status of their relationship to peers and the outside world.
  5. Cultural norms: The prevalence and acceptability of public displays of affection can vary considerably across different cultures and social contexts. What seems excessive in one setting may be seen as normal in another.

Ultimately, the motivations behind constant public displays of affection are complex and can differ from couple to couple. While it may stem from sincere feelings, it can also indicate underlying issues like insecurity or a lack of discretion.

Examples of PDA 

These are some examples of PDA:

  • Holding hands with your partner
  • Kissing their lips, cheek, forehead, neck, or hand
  • Hugging, holding, or cuddling them
  • Touching or stroking them
  • Playing with their fingers or hair
  • Massaging their shoulders, back, hands, or feet
  • Putting your arms around their waist or shoulder
  • Feeding them a bite of food
  • Holding them close while dancing
  • Sitting on their lap
  • Whispering in their ear
  • Gazing into their eyes
  • Winking at them
  • Blowing them a kiss
  • Telling them you love them
  • Complimenting them

  • For Details visit:

Meanwhile, I heard there are more than 10 cases of Covid -in our community. Wear your Mask in public just as a precaution. If you are not feeling well, Get Tested. Covid testing kits are complimentary.  Good Day Everyone!
 

Friday, July 5, 2024

Photographs from the THD July 4th Party, 2024

My Hawaiian Shirt and Matching Hat at top of the July 4th Hat Decor provided by THD.  Both Photos were taken by Jenny Shively. Thanks for the photos, Jenny. 


The Salad Bar Inside the Yoga Room

Barbecue Ribs, Potato salad , ambrosia salad and more than 12 other dishes were served with abundance in yesterday July 4th Party Here at THD. This was my second year of July 4th festivity  celebrating America's birthday here at THD. Inside the yoga room were it was cool 74C, Dick Botton lead a sing along of our National anthem before lunch. 

Outside it was hot, but not too bad under the shade and umbrella provided by THD.  Everyone had a grand time. The food was a Gastronomic Delight. I had ribs that melt in my mouth and potato salad.  Again thank you THD for hosting an event that enhance the filling of our hungry stomach but also promote a sense of community and belonging.  Since Pictures are worth for a thousand words, here are some I took yesterday.











       




















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