joaquin 2016 newsletter

OUR JOAQUIN 2016 NEWSLETTER.

The Holy year of Mercy opened on the 8th of December 2015, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. Pope Francis opened the Holy Door of Mercy on this day through which anyone who entered would experience the love of God who consoles, pardons and instills hope.

After the holidays, We  (Tony and Chita) started to visit Jubilee Churches (designated by the Bishop) in our diocese in order to earn indulgences by fulfilling the Spiritual and Corporal works of Mercy. Chita continued to visit more Jubilee churches  when she was in the Philippines in late February. She further visited more Jubilee Churches and entered the "Holy Door" in Barcelona, Pisa, Marseille and the Basilica of St. Peter in Rome. All in all, Chita was able to visit a total of 16 Jubilee churches.

While in the Philippines, Chita bonded with her siblings and some close friends and visited the new resort called Balesin. Balesin is an exclusive tropical island paradise situated in Quezon Province with white-sand beaches which accommodation is inspired by well renown destination like Balesin, St Tropez, Toscana, Bali, Puket, Mykonos and Costa del Sol.

In May, Lizza and Greg Streicher visited us at Sacramento and this coincided with Cristina's flight to San Francisco. Thus, all our children were able to be together after quite a long spell. They certainly had great fun, enjoying San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf.

Julian was so excited when he was treated by his Lola Chita to a European cruise during summer. Together with Nico, they traveled to Spain, France, and Italy. Julian’s favorite site was the Leaning Tower of Pisa the picture of which is now his screen saver.

We were delighted by the visit of Julie Byers in late August,  (she was our Rotary Exchange student when Tony was President of the Rotary Club of Makati West back in 1983)  She also got to see Cris and Regie Concepcion and other Filipino friends who hosted her during her year with the Rotary club.

After working with Franklin Templeton Group for 28 years, in August Gina decided to move to Rodan and Fields, a cosmetic company as Director of Technology Engineering based in San Francisco.

A pleasant surprise in September was a dinner treat by my Joaquin cousins, Ditas, Susan and Yoly. It was a welcome moment recalling memories of our youth back in the Philippines.

We lost our beloved sister, Pacita in October. We will always remember her loving nature, her hearty laugh and generous spirit.

We had the good fortune of another visit of Cristina,  her last flight to San Francisco before her retirement from Cathay Pacific Airways after 32 years of service in January 2017. We cherish occasions like this because she is our only daughter who lives the farthest from us. Cristina will retire in Nuvali, Philippines with her husband, Jowin.

Thanksgiving Day is one of our favorite holidays. We thank the Lord for all the countless blessings showered on us this year just about to end, especially for the gift of our Faith. The family had a sumptuous dinner prepared by Bobby, GI and Chita with Lita and Lou as our special guests.

We are looking forward to our trip to Brisbane, Australia in March 2017 to witness the marriage of our first grandson, Mikee to Sammy, a Filipino Australian lady whom he met while on a dance tour at the Gold coast of Australia. Mikee was dancing with the Jabbawockeez at that time. Mikee is currently teaching preschool kids and was awarded the Best Teacher Award 2016 by the college. Congratulations to the 'Teacher of the Year' Mister J!” You really ARE an amazing teacher.

Nico, our second grandson, is back to school completing prerequisite subjects needed for him to pursue his studies leading to a doctorate in Physical Therapy.

Julian, the youngest of our three grandsons, a consistent honor student will be graduating from elementary school next year. He currently plays in the basketball team and getting good at the game.

We thank our friends and family who shared the happiness of the year by their visit.

Let us enjoy the Christmas season and may God's blessings fill your hearts and home with abundance of mercy, peace and love. May the New Year bring fresh hopes and bright beginnings?