Lets end this year 2017 with some piano Music of Carlos Avila
I received the following e-mail a couple of months ago after I introduce Carlos piano works to Philippine-American Academy of Science & Engineering (PAASE). I hope this will inspire Carlos to continue with vigor his career in classical piano music.
Carlos, your Aunt Macrine and I are proud of your musical accomplishments. Keep up with good work.
(http://davidbkatague.blogspot.com/2017/11/carlos-avila-with-california-symphony.html)
*************************************************************************************************
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=la6fKbTrtLU
Dear David,
I am grateful to you for introducing to us Carlos Avila and a sampling of his superlative work.
I also came across the link below to his interpretation of Franz Schubert's Impromptu Op. 90 No. 3, and the sonorous tone with which he imbued the piece is simply remarkable.
He allows the piece to be tender and tremulous, yet ably controls it so that it remains far from mawkishness.
Carlos Avila is a revelation.
Best regards, Joel
Joel L. Cuello, Ph.D.
Professor of Biosystems Engineering
Director, Global Institute for Strategic Agriculture in Drylands (GISAD)
Department of Agricultural and
Biosystems Engineering
507 Shantz Building
The University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ 85721
U.S.A.
Currently Joel is PAASE ( Philippine- American Academy of Science & Engineering-President-Elect
Marinduque Vacation-An Alternative to Boracay, if Night Life is not required!
Planning to Retire Soon!
If you are planning to retire in the Philippines soon, I suggest you visit several excellent websites on pro's and cons of retiring in the Philippines. However if you want to retire in the provinces, where life is simple, standard of living cheaper, less traffic congestion and pollution, availability of fresh seafood and vegetables compared to the big cities, my island province is the place for you! If this is your first time in my site, welcome. Some of the photos and videos on this site, I do not own. However, I have no intention on the infringement of your copyrights. The photo above is the front yard of Chateau Du Mer- Our Retirement Home in Boac, Marinduque, Philippines
Sunday, December 31, 2017
Friday, December 29, 2017
David III and Dinah Professional Careers-My Other Two Children
David III and Mom, Christmas 2017
I have four adult children. My youngest daughter ( Ditas) and oldest son ( Dodie) careers are well publicized. I have two other professional children whose professional careers are not well-known or are not in the News and/or Television- Dinah ( Banking) and David III( TSA ).
http://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2017/11/dodie-and-ditas-katague-were-in-news.html
Ditas is Director of Census 2020 for the State of California.(https://www.census.gov/newsroom/bios/katague-ditas.html)and
(http://www.governing.com/…/gov-census-2020-population-count…).
Dodie is Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for Contra Costa County.(https://www.amazon.com/Dodie-Katague/e/B003HI3GJO)and
http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2017/11/02/24-hour-fitness-hit-with-1-2-million-penalty-over-shady-sales-tactics/
Today, I am posting both Dinah's and David LinkedIn Profiles for your information. I am very, very proud of my four children accomplishments-known or unknown.
The Three David's-Dave my nephew from Australia, Me and David III.
My youngest son David Katague III is a Transportation Security Officer, TSA in Sacramento. He had this job since 2005. His former employment was at PricewaterhouseCoopers as a Senior Information Technology Consultant. Before that he was a Policy Analyst at the Executive Office of the President from Aug 1992 to Sept 1995 (Washington, DC).
He has two degrees as follows: From Carnegie Mellon University with a Masters Degree in Public Policy & Public Management(1986 - 1988) and from University of California, Davis with a Bachelor Science degree in Agricultural & Managerial Economics(1982 - 1986). He does not have a Face Book page.
David is my assistant in the primary care of Macrine ( my spouse) suffering from the ravage of Parkinson Disease. Without David's help my duty as a primary care giver would be unbearable. David, your mother and I love you so much and most grateful for your help.
Experience and Work Profile of Dinah from LinkedIn:
1. CDD/EDD Manager for the Financial Investigation Department, Umpqua Bank, July 2017 – Present
2. Team Manager of High Risk Customer Unit, Bank of the West December 2014 – June 2017
Responsibilities: Leading a team of Investigators (Full Time Employees & Contract Employees) charged with the responsibility of doing Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) KYA and KYC on the Bank’s High Risk Customers, Subject Matter Expert on AML/BSA questions to Investigators, hiring and training new staff, Internship supervisor, Monitoring and administers the daily and weekly reporting MIS that reflects team and individual performances, Communicating directly with branch personnel, department managers, internal audit, FDIC representatives and Line of Business managers, special projects and other duties as assigned.
3. HRBU Investigator, Bank of the West, July 2013 – November 2014
Responsibilities: Research, review, analyzes and interpret financial data and information to determine risk ranking of potential clients and present clients, individuals as well as businesses; complete Risk Assessments & EDD Reviews; make determinations for the Political Exposed Persons (PEP), Special Interest Persons (SIP), Relatively Close Associates (RCA), Non Resident Aliens (NRA), Money Services Business (MSB), and Third Party Payment Processors (TPPP); daily review of the Customer Due Diligence (CDD) alerts created by IRIS, determine which clients to monitor on a yearly basis; maintaining lists and monitoring spreadsheets of high score CDD form and unusual behavior cased individuals and businesses; create and prepare monthly NRA, MSB, PEP clients for their annual and bi-annual EDD Reviews
4. HRBU Investigations Assistant, Bank of the West, December 2012 – July 2013
5. BSA/AML High Risk Business Unit (HRBU) Investigations Assistant
Responsibilities: Review; assign and distribution of incoming email from the HRBU Inbox; creation of new cases for review; updating, maintaining spreadsheets for TPPP/RCCD clients; analyze and review monthly Potential TPPP BLU Alerts; FACTIVA alerts; triage incoming TPPP/RCCD and MSB alerts; create and prepare monthly NRA, MSB, PEP clients for their annual and bi-annual EDD Reviews
6. Suspicious Activity Analyst, Bank of the West September 2011 – December 2012
7. Compliance Analyst, Irwin Home Equity 2006 – 2007
Education
California State University-Sacramento
Bachelor of Arts, Liberal Studies
1979 – 1984
St Mary's College, Moraga, CA
Paralegal Certificate, Corporate Law/Law Office Management
I have four adult children. My youngest daughter ( Ditas) and oldest son ( Dodie) careers are well publicized. I have two other professional children whose professional careers are not well-known or are not in the News and/or Television- Dinah ( Banking) and David III( TSA ).
http://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2017/11/dodie-and-ditas-katague-were-in-news.html
Ditas is Director of Census 2020 for the State of California.(https://www.census.gov/newsroom/bios/katague-ditas.html)and
(http://www.governing.com/…/gov-census-2020-population-count…).
Dodie is Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for Contra Costa County.(https://www.amazon.com/Dodie-Katague/e/B003HI3GJO)and
http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2017/11/02/24-hour-fitness-hit-with-1-2-million-penalty-over-shady-sales-tactics/
Today, I am posting both Dinah's and David LinkedIn Profiles for your information. I am very, very proud of my four children accomplishments-known or unknown.
The Three David's-Dave my nephew from Australia, Me and David III.
My youngest son David Katague III is a Transportation Security Officer, TSA in Sacramento. He had this job since 2005. His former employment was at PricewaterhouseCoopers as a Senior Information Technology Consultant. Before that he was a Policy Analyst at the Executive Office of the President from Aug 1992 to Sept 1995 (Washington, DC).
He has two degrees as follows: From Carnegie Mellon University with a Masters Degree in Public Policy & Public Management(1986 - 1988) and from University of California, Davis with a Bachelor Science degree in Agricultural & Managerial Economics(1982 - 1986). He does not have a Face Book page.
David is my assistant in the primary care of Macrine ( my spouse) suffering from the ravage of Parkinson Disease. Without David's help my duty as a primary care giver would be unbearable. David, your mother and I love you so much and most grateful for your help.
Experience and Work Profile of Dinah from LinkedIn:
1. CDD/EDD Manager for the Financial Investigation Department, Umpqua Bank, July 2017 – Present
2. Team Manager of High Risk Customer Unit, Bank of the West December 2014 – June 2017
Responsibilities: Leading a team of Investigators (Full Time Employees & Contract Employees) charged with the responsibility of doing Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) KYA and KYC on the Bank’s High Risk Customers, Subject Matter Expert on AML/BSA questions to Investigators, hiring and training new staff, Internship supervisor, Monitoring and administers the daily and weekly reporting MIS that reflects team and individual performances, Communicating directly with branch personnel, department managers, internal audit, FDIC representatives and Line of Business managers, special projects and other duties as assigned.
3. HRBU Investigator, Bank of the West, July 2013 – November 2014
Responsibilities: Research, review, analyzes and interpret financial data and information to determine risk ranking of potential clients and present clients, individuals as well as businesses; complete Risk Assessments & EDD Reviews; make determinations for the Political Exposed Persons (PEP), Special Interest Persons (SIP), Relatively Close Associates (RCA), Non Resident Aliens (NRA), Money Services Business (MSB), and Third Party Payment Processors (TPPP); daily review of the Customer Due Diligence (CDD) alerts created by IRIS, determine which clients to monitor on a yearly basis; maintaining lists and monitoring spreadsheets of high score CDD form and unusual behavior cased individuals and businesses; create and prepare monthly NRA, MSB, PEP clients for their annual and bi-annual EDD Reviews
4. HRBU Investigations Assistant, Bank of the West, December 2012 – July 2013
5. BSA/AML High Risk Business Unit (HRBU) Investigations Assistant
Responsibilities: Review; assign and distribution of incoming email from the HRBU Inbox; creation of new cases for review; updating, maintaining spreadsheets for TPPP/RCCD clients; analyze and review monthly Potential TPPP BLU Alerts; FACTIVA alerts; triage incoming TPPP/RCCD and MSB alerts; create and prepare monthly NRA, MSB, PEP clients for their annual and bi-annual EDD Reviews
6. Suspicious Activity Analyst, Bank of the West September 2011 – December 2012
7. Compliance Analyst, Irwin Home Equity 2006 – 2007
Education
California State University-Sacramento
Bachelor of Arts, Liberal Studies
1979 – 1984
St Mary's College, Moraga, CA
Paralegal Certificate, Corporate Law/Law Office Management
Tuesday, December 26, 2017
The Day After Christmas-Binging on TV Series-This is Us
While millions of Americans went shopping for bargains or returning gifts the day after Christmas, Macrine and I are binging on Season and 1 and 2 of the award-winning TV series, This is US at NBC. It made us laugh, cry, and think at the same time. In case you have not seen this TV dramatic series, here's a brief summary from Wikipedia.
From Wikipedia: This Is Us is an American television series created by Dan Fogelman that premiered on NBC on September 20, 2016. The series stars an ensemble cast featuring Milo Ventimiglia, Mandy Moore, Sterling K. Brown, Chrissy Metz, Justin Hartley, Susan Kelechi Watson, Chris Sullivan, Ron Cephas Jones, Jon Huertas, Alexandra Breckenridge, Niles Fitch, Logan Shroyer, Hannah Zeile, Mackenzie Hancsicsak, Parker Bates, Lonnie Chavis, Eris Baker, and Faithe Herman. It is about the family lives and connections of several people who all share the same birthday and the ways in which they are similar and different.
The series has received positive reviews since its premiere, receiving nominations for Best Television Series – Drama at the 74th Golden Globe Awards and Best Drama Series at the 7th Critics' Choice Awards, as well as being chosen as a Top Television Program by the American Film Institute. The cast has received accolades, with Mandy Moore and Chrissy Metz receiving Golden Globe nominations for Best Supporting Actress, and Sterling K. Brown receiving a SAG nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series. In 2017, the series received ten Emmy nominations, including Outstanding Drama Series, with Brown winning for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.
On September 27, 2016, NBC picked up the series for a full season of 18 episodes. In January 2017, NBC renewed the series for two additional seasons of 18 episodes each. The second season premiered on September 26, 2017.
The series follows siblings Kate, Kevin and Randall as their lives intertwine. Kate and Kevin were originally part of a triplet pregnancy, conceived in the bathroom of Froggy's, a bar, during Super Bowl XIV. Their due date was October 12, 1980, but they were born six weeks early on August 31; their biological brother was stillborn. Their parents, Jack and Rebecca, having expected to bring home three babies, decide to adopt another newborn: Randall, a black child born the same day and brought to the same hospital after his biological father abandoned him at a fire station.
Episodes weave through the stories of the past and present of the characters, with most scenes taking place in 1980, 1989–1995, and the present day (2016–2017). Flashback scenes take place in Pittsburgh, while current scenes are typically split between Los Angeles, New Jersey, and New York City.
Reference: www.nbc.com/this-is-us
From Wikipedia: This Is Us is an American television series created by Dan Fogelman that premiered on NBC on September 20, 2016. The series stars an ensemble cast featuring Milo Ventimiglia, Mandy Moore, Sterling K. Brown, Chrissy Metz, Justin Hartley, Susan Kelechi Watson, Chris Sullivan, Ron Cephas Jones, Jon Huertas, Alexandra Breckenridge, Niles Fitch, Logan Shroyer, Hannah Zeile, Mackenzie Hancsicsak, Parker Bates, Lonnie Chavis, Eris Baker, and Faithe Herman. It is about the family lives and connections of several people who all share the same birthday and the ways in which they are similar and different.
The series has received positive reviews since its premiere, receiving nominations for Best Television Series – Drama at the 74th Golden Globe Awards and Best Drama Series at the 7th Critics' Choice Awards, as well as being chosen as a Top Television Program by the American Film Institute. The cast has received accolades, with Mandy Moore and Chrissy Metz receiving Golden Globe nominations for Best Supporting Actress, and Sterling K. Brown receiving a SAG nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series. In 2017, the series received ten Emmy nominations, including Outstanding Drama Series, with Brown winning for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.
On September 27, 2016, NBC picked up the series for a full season of 18 episodes. In January 2017, NBC renewed the series for two additional seasons of 18 episodes each. The second season premiered on September 26, 2017.
The series follows siblings Kate, Kevin and Randall as their lives intertwine. Kate and Kevin were originally part of a triplet pregnancy, conceived in the bathroom of Froggy's, a bar, during Super Bowl XIV. Their due date was October 12, 1980, but they were born six weeks early on August 31; their biological brother was stillborn. Their parents, Jack and Rebecca, having expected to bring home three babies, decide to adopt another newborn: Randall, a black child born the same day and brought to the same hospital after his biological father abandoned him at a fire station.
Episodes weave through the stories of the past and present of the characters, with most scenes taking place in 1980, 1989–1995, and the present day (2016–2017). Flashback scenes take place in Pittsburgh, while current scenes are typically split between Los Angeles, New Jersey, and New York City.
Reference: www.nbc.com/this-is-us
Monday, December 25, 2017
Say Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in your Own Language/Dialect
Christmas 2017 is here. Dodie's Family, Ditas and Carenna, David III, Macrine and I enjoyed a pot luck party with HoneyBaked Ham, Pancit, Chicken-Macaroni salad and other dishes. Christmas 2017-The David B Katague clan-absent are Dinah, Elaine and Ian
To all my Ilonggo friends and relatives: Malipayong Paskwa kag Masinadyahong Bag-ong Tuig. And to all my other Blog readers all over the World, friends and relatives say Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in your own language/dialect:
http://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/search?q=merry+christmas
To all my Ilonggo friends and relatives: Malipayong Paskwa kag Masinadyahong Bag-ong Tuig. And to all my other Blog readers all over the World, friends and relatives say Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in your own language/dialect:
http://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/search?q=merry+christmas
Friday, December 22, 2017
Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto #2 -Anna Fedorova
Three weeks ago, I posted Rachmaninoff Concerto #3 as played by Olga Kern. Today I like to share with you Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto #2 as played by Anna Fedorova, a Ukrainian world famous pianist. Enjoy!
This piece is one of Rachmaninoff's most enduringly popular pieces and established his fame as a concerto composer. It is also my favorite since a number of segments in the first and second movements have been popularized as follows:
The second theme of Allegro scherzando provides the basis for Frank Sinatra's 1945 "Full Moon and Empty Arms".
The Adagio sostenuto theme appears in Eric Carmen's 1975 ballad "All by Myself". Carmen first composed the song's interlude, then took the bridge from Rachmaninoff and the chorus from his own "Let's Pretend". Carmen explained that Rachmaninoff was his "favorite music".
The Moderato theme appears in Muse's 2001 song "Space Dementia". The lyric line "And tear us apart and make us meaningless again" follows exactly Rachmaninoff's melody in the first movement, which is first played by string instruments in the beginning of the movement, and then again by the piano toward the movement's finale. The 1941 Sinatra song "I Think of You" is also based on the Rachmaninoff first movement.
Anna Fedorova was born on February 27, 1990. She is a Ukrainian concert pianist. Fedorova performs as soloist, chamber musician and with symphony orchestras in the major concert halls of the Netherlands, Germany, France, Italy, Ukraine, US, Mexico, Argentina, and Asia. Fedorova is a David Young Piano Prize Holder supported by a Soiree d’Or Award and Keyboard Trust.
This piece is one of Rachmaninoff's most enduringly popular pieces and established his fame as a concerto composer. It is also my favorite since a number of segments in the first and second movements have been popularized as follows:
The second theme of Allegro scherzando provides the basis for Frank Sinatra's 1945 "Full Moon and Empty Arms".
The Adagio sostenuto theme appears in Eric Carmen's 1975 ballad "All by Myself". Carmen first composed the song's interlude, then took the bridge from Rachmaninoff and the chorus from his own "Let's Pretend". Carmen explained that Rachmaninoff was his "favorite music".
The Moderato theme appears in Muse's 2001 song "Space Dementia". The lyric line "And tear us apart and make us meaningless again" follows exactly Rachmaninoff's melody in the first movement, which is first played by string instruments in the beginning of the movement, and then again by the piano toward the movement's finale. The 1941 Sinatra song "I Think of You" is also based on the Rachmaninoff first movement.
Anna Fedorova was born on February 27, 1990. She is a Ukrainian concert pianist. Fedorova performs as soloist, chamber musician and with symphony orchestras in the major concert halls of the Netherlands, Germany, France, Italy, Ukraine, US, Mexico, Argentina, and Asia. Fedorova is a David Young Piano Prize Holder supported by a Soiree d’Or Award and Keyboard Trust.
Tuesday, December 19, 2017
Turning 83 Years Old-Thank You, Lord!
My wife for over 60 years, Macrine Nieva Jambalos and I enjoying our Aging years
I will be 83 years old tomorrow, but it is already the 20th in the Philippines so I have been receiving birthday greetings from friends and relatives from the nation of my birth. No big party but just a lobster dinner. Since I am the oldest member of the Katague clan in my generation, I am re posting excerpts from my article "The highlights of my Professional Career in Chemistry". I hope my biography have inspired my younger clan members to the best of their abilities to succeed in their respective lives and career. My Holiday Greetings to all the K(C)atague all over the World!
"In my more than 40 years of professional career, I have experienced both working rank and file, as well as supervising the work of subordinates. I have worked in four private firms and the Federal Government, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), where I retired. I enjoyed the challenges and difficulties of both types of job situations. This is the highlights of my work experience story.
My first job after completing my doctorate degree was a Chemist for Chemagro Corporation in Kansas City, Missouri. It was a subsidiary of Bayer Corporation, a German conglomerate. I worked for the analytical chemistry department comprised of about fifty people; half that number was either chemists or biologists. My specific task was to develop analytical methods for the detection of pesticide residues in plant and animal tissues. I worked on my own, similar to six other bench chemists, and we all reported to the same supervisor.
The firm sponsored my visa conversion from a student to a permanent resident, and I was able to legally work and reside in the United States with my family. The company generously took care of its employees. At the end of each successful year, everyone received a 13th month salary bonus. The employees and their families celebrated wonderful annual Christmas parties in a downtown Kansas City hotel, with dancing and free drinks for the whole night.
As much as I enjoyed and loved working for Chemagro for five years, I found a new job which offered a substantially higher pay. Due to my exemplary work performance, my supervisor lobbied for me to stay with the company. I had to turn him down because they could not match the package presented by my new employer. It was also a chance for me and my family to move and live in the US west coast, where the mild winter climate is bearable compared to the Midwest.
My next job was at the agricultural research division of Shell Development Company in Modesto, California. I was a Research Chemist, and again I worked individually, same as five other chemists who all reported to a supervisor. My specific duty was similar to my previous job. I worked for them for five years, until the company decided to get out of the pesticide business. They closed their research facility affecting the jobs of more than 200 employees.
My third industrial job was with the agricultural research division of Stauffer Chemical Company, located in Richmond, California. I was a Senior Research Chemist doing the same project as my two previous jobs. I worked for twelve continuous years for the company, with outstanding annual job performance. I became a Principal Research Chemist, the highest attainable non-supervisory position.
One day in 1986, my supervisor informed me that my job had been eliminated, and I had one day to vacate the facility. It was the most dreadful lay off experience in my life. I felt anger, sadness and humiliation to be dismissed from work with one day notice, after all the years of hard work invested for the company. This was an unforgettable incident and was the gloomiest point in my professional career.
My supervisor was kind and allowed me to take my time to pack up my belongings. It took me two days to clear up my workplace. I was provided clerical help and office space, in preparation to look for another job, such as updating resumes, and using the computer and copy machine. I did received six weeks of separation pay plus benefits.
Fortunately, with the help of a friend who is a Church parishioner, I found another job thirty days after leaving Stauffer Chemical Company. He hired me as a senior research chemist and as a group leader with two technicians to supervise. It was in the same field as my expertise in my previous three jobs spanning the last twenty one years. My new employer was Chevron Chemical Company, and which was located in the same city as my former employer.
This job gave me the introduction and basic knowledge of managing the work of subordinates. I worked for Chevron Company for four and a half years. The company decided to consolidate their research facilities in Texas, and lay off all its research employees. This time I had enough distress and agony from working, and eventually getting laid off from several private companies. To avoid going through any more miserable layoffs, I made a vow that I would never again work for a private company.
In the three private companies I worked for, I was able to publish scientific journals for some of the research studies and analytical methods which I developed for the respective companies of Chemagro, Shell Development and Stauffer Chemical Company.
After deciding and making a vow to avoid working in the private sector, I made my new goal which was either to work for the state of California, or the Federal government in Washington, D.C. Four months after I lost my job in Chevron, I was lucky and joyful to be hired by the Food and Drug Administration as a review chemist in the fall of 1990.
In 1994 I was promoted as an Expert Research Chemist with a GS-14 rating. My expertise was on Anti-malarial and Anti-parasitic drug products. In 1997, I was again promoted to Chemistry team leader, supervising the work of six Chemistry reviewers including five with doctorate degrees.
As team leader, I was responsible for prioritizing, assigning, and assuring the technical accuracy of all chemistry, manufacturing and control issues for all new drug applications submitted to the Division of Anti-Infective Drug Products, Center of New Drugs.
In 1998, I won the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Award. The citation reads, “For outstanding accomplishments in fostering the objectives of the EEO Program by hiring minorities and encouraging their professional growth while providing excellent leadership.” I have received numerous certificates of appreciation, awards in leadership and communications, commendation for teamwork and excellence in the accomplishment of the FDA mission. I have also received several letters of appreciation from private industry for my review work.
Managing the work of others has its challenges. Moreover, it develops one’s skill in handling and developing people, and the compensation rewards and benefits are better. Due to additional duties, responsibilities and leadership, supervisory work can be more stressful than working as a subordinate. However, supervisory jobs give one more personal growth and satisfaction, based on my personal experience. My work in FDA as a team leader managing the work of six scientists had been the happiest and rewarding work experience in my career in Chemistry ".
While looking at my old files, I found a copy of the nomination package( over 50 pages of documentation) that was sent by the Philippine Embassy, Washington, D.C. to Office of the President of the Philippines in 2002 for the Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organization Overseas. I was nominated for the Pamana Award in Chemistry. My package was approved and endorsed by the Philippine Embassy but was denied by Office of the President, Malacanang Palace in 2002. I was disappointed and irked because I was never given a formal letter of its denial, thus it reminded me of the above selfie photo that self destruct.
I have completely forgotten the above event in my professional life until today. I am comparing this event in my professional career as a selfie that self destruct or a pregnancy that was conceived ( endorsed by the Philippine embassy in Washington DC) but was aborted ( denial by the Powers in Malacanang in 2002).
In the above nomination package I have also listed several awards that I have received during my professional career from 1957 to 2002. My four most memorable, prestigious and non-aborted awards with no monetary value are as follows:
1. In 1990 I donated books and technical journals worth more than $1500 to the University of the Philippines Library. This donation was facilitated by the Commission of Filipino Overseas and accepted by the Executive Director, Alfredo Perdon. Perdon wrote me a Thank You letter as follows: " Your donation is a manifestation of the willingness of Filipino overseas to be actively involved in the development efforts of the country. Such participation through the commission's " Lingkod Sa Kapwa Pilipino or Linkapil serves to strengthen the linkages between Filipino overseas and their countrymen. Attached is the Linkapil Certificate of Acceptance along with the picture of the turnover ceremony at the UP library on May 23, 1990.
2. In 1998, I won the Equal Employment Opportunity Award (EEO) at the Food and Drug Administration. I received a plaque with the following citation: It reads, " For outstanding accomplishments in fostering the objectives of the Equal Employment Opportunity Program by hiring minorities and encouraging their professional growth while providing excellent leadership".
3. In 1995, I was elected (to a 5-year term) to the United States Pharmacopeia(USP) Council of Experts in the Standards, Antibiotics and Natural Products Divisions. As an elected member, I was responsible for establishing standards of identity, safety, quality, purity of drug substances and drug products as well as in-vitro and diagnostic products, dietary supplements and related articles used in health care. In March 2000, I was reelected to another 5 year term to the USP Council of Experts.
4. Last but not least, in l998, I received an Outstanding Filipino-American Senior Citizen Award in Chemistry, Science and Research. The medal and plaque was presented by Philippine Centennial Festival Committee of the Philippine American Foundation of Charities in Washington D.C.
5. My last award had monetary value: In 1986, I was awarded a grant to participate in the Transfer of Knowledge through Expatriate Nationals (TOKTEN) program for two weeks at the University of the Philippines Natural Science Research Institute, Diliman, Q.C. The program provided for free round trip transportation from US to the Philippines and back plus a generous per diem in dollars for two weeks. The program was coordinated by the United Nations Development Program in New York and in Manila. Today the program is now known as the Balik-Scientist Program.
The summary of my Pamana Award in Chemistry nomination package reads:
"Dr Katague is a trailblazer in the field of Chemistry and Drug Regulation. He is the first Filipino American to attain the position of Team Leader and Expert in the Center of New Drugs, Food and Drug Administration. He is also the first Filipino-American to be elected for two 5 year terms( 1995-2005) to the United States Pharmacopeia Council of Experts since its inception in 1820. Dr Katague's drive and energy to succeed is a representation of the Filipino people's talent and passion for excellence. He has shown that Filipinos can contribute significantly to the advancement of science, therefore help the world a better and safer place by insuring that only safe and better quality drugs are approved and marketed."
* For details of my accomplishments and my complete autobiography please visit: http://davidbkatague.blogspot.com
I will be 83 years old tomorrow, but it is already the 20th in the Philippines so I have been receiving birthday greetings from friends and relatives from the nation of my birth. No big party but just a lobster dinner. Since I am the oldest member of the Katague clan in my generation, I am re posting excerpts from my article "The highlights of my Professional Career in Chemistry". I hope my biography have inspired my younger clan members to the best of their abilities to succeed in their respective lives and career. My Holiday Greetings to all the K(C)atague all over the World!
"In my more than 40 years of professional career, I have experienced both working rank and file, as well as supervising the work of subordinates. I have worked in four private firms and the Federal Government, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), where I retired. I enjoyed the challenges and difficulties of both types of job situations. This is the highlights of my work experience story.
My first job after completing my doctorate degree was a Chemist for Chemagro Corporation in Kansas City, Missouri. It was a subsidiary of Bayer Corporation, a German conglomerate. I worked for the analytical chemistry department comprised of about fifty people; half that number was either chemists or biologists. My specific task was to develop analytical methods for the detection of pesticide residues in plant and animal tissues. I worked on my own, similar to six other bench chemists, and we all reported to the same supervisor.
The firm sponsored my visa conversion from a student to a permanent resident, and I was able to legally work and reside in the United States with my family. The company generously took care of its employees. At the end of each successful year, everyone received a 13th month salary bonus. The employees and their families celebrated wonderful annual Christmas parties in a downtown Kansas City hotel, with dancing and free drinks for the whole night.
As much as I enjoyed and loved working for Chemagro for five years, I found a new job which offered a substantially higher pay. Due to my exemplary work performance, my supervisor lobbied for me to stay with the company. I had to turn him down because they could not match the package presented by my new employer. It was also a chance for me and my family to move and live in the US west coast, where the mild winter climate is bearable compared to the Midwest.
My next job was at the agricultural research division of Shell Development Company in Modesto, California. I was a Research Chemist, and again I worked individually, same as five other chemists who all reported to a supervisor. My specific duty was similar to my previous job. I worked for them for five years, until the company decided to get out of the pesticide business. They closed their research facility affecting the jobs of more than 200 employees.
My third industrial job was with the agricultural research division of Stauffer Chemical Company, located in Richmond, California. I was a Senior Research Chemist doing the same project as my two previous jobs. I worked for twelve continuous years for the company, with outstanding annual job performance. I became a Principal Research Chemist, the highest attainable non-supervisory position.
One day in 1986, my supervisor informed me that my job had been eliminated, and I had one day to vacate the facility. It was the most dreadful lay off experience in my life. I felt anger, sadness and humiliation to be dismissed from work with one day notice, after all the years of hard work invested for the company. This was an unforgettable incident and was the gloomiest point in my professional career.
My supervisor was kind and allowed me to take my time to pack up my belongings. It took me two days to clear up my workplace. I was provided clerical help and office space, in preparation to look for another job, such as updating resumes, and using the computer and copy machine. I did received six weeks of separation pay plus benefits.
Fortunately, with the help of a friend who is a Church parishioner, I found another job thirty days after leaving Stauffer Chemical Company. He hired me as a senior research chemist and as a group leader with two technicians to supervise. It was in the same field as my expertise in my previous three jobs spanning the last twenty one years. My new employer was Chevron Chemical Company, and which was located in the same city as my former employer.
This job gave me the introduction and basic knowledge of managing the work of subordinates. I worked for Chevron Company for four and a half years. The company decided to consolidate their research facilities in Texas, and lay off all its research employees. This time I had enough distress and agony from working, and eventually getting laid off from several private companies. To avoid going through any more miserable layoffs, I made a vow that I would never again work for a private company.
In the three private companies I worked for, I was able to publish scientific journals for some of the research studies and analytical methods which I developed for the respective companies of Chemagro, Shell Development and Stauffer Chemical Company.
After deciding and making a vow to avoid working in the private sector, I made my new goal which was either to work for the state of California, or the Federal government in Washington, D.C. Four months after I lost my job in Chevron, I was lucky and joyful to be hired by the Food and Drug Administration as a review chemist in the fall of 1990.
In 1994 I was promoted as an Expert Research Chemist with a GS-14 rating. My expertise was on Anti-malarial and Anti-parasitic drug products. In 1997, I was again promoted to Chemistry team leader, supervising the work of six Chemistry reviewers including five with doctorate degrees.
As team leader, I was responsible for prioritizing, assigning, and assuring the technical accuracy of all chemistry, manufacturing and control issues for all new drug applications submitted to the Division of Anti-Infective Drug Products, Center of New Drugs.
In 1998, I won the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Award. The citation reads, “For outstanding accomplishments in fostering the objectives of the EEO Program by hiring minorities and encouraging their professional growth while providing excellent leadership.” I have received numerous certificates of appreciation, awards in leadership and communications, commendation for teamwork and excellence in the accomplishment of the FDA mission. I have also received several letters of appreciation from private industry for my review work.
Managing the work of others has its challenges. Moreover, it develops one’s skill in handling and developing people, and the compensation rewards and benefits are better. Due to additional duties, responsibilities and leadership, supervisory work can be more stressful than working as a subordinate. However, supervisory jobs give one more personal growth and satisfaction, based on my personal experience. My work in FDA as a team leader managing the work of six scientists had been the happiest and rewarding work experience in my career in Chemistry ".
While looking at my old files, I found a copy of the nomination package( over 50 pages of documentation) that was sent by the Philippine Embassy, Washington, D.C. to Office of the President of the Philippines in 2002 for the Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organization Overseas. I was nominated for the Pamana Award in Chemistry. My package was approved and endorsed by the Philippine Embassy but was denied by Office of the President, Malacanang Palace in 2002. I was disappointed and irked because I was never given a formal letter of its denial, thus it reminded me of the above selfie photo that self destruct.
I have completely forgotten the above event in my professional life until today. I am comparing this event in my professional career as a selfie that self destruct or a pregnancy that was conceived ( endorsed by the Philippine embassy in Washington DC) but was aborted ( denial by the Powers in Malacanang in 2002).
In the above nomination package I have also listed several awards that I have received during my professional career from 1957 to 2002. My four most memorable, prestigious and non-aborted awards with no monetary value are as follows:
1. In 1990 I donated books and technical journals worth more than $1500 to the University of the Philippines Library. This donation was facilitated by the Commission of Filipino Overseas and accepted by the Executive Director, Alfredo Perdon. Perdon wrote me a Thank You letter as follows: " Your donation is a manifestation of the willingness of Filipino overseas to be actively involved in the development efforts of the country. Such participation through the commission's " Lingkod Sa Kapwa Pilipino or Linkapil serves to strengthen the linkages between Filipino overseas and their countrymen. Attached is the Linkapil Certificate of Acceptance along with the picture of the turnover ceremony at the UP library on May 23, 1990.
2. In 1998, I won the Equal Employment Opportunity Award (EEO) at the Food and Drug Administration. I received a plaque with the following citation: It reads, " For outstanding accomplishments in fostering the objectives of the Equal Employment Opportunity Program by hiring minorities and encouraging their professional growth while providing excellent leadership".
3. In 1995, I was elected (to a 5-year term) to the United States Pharmacopeia(USP) Council of Experts in the Standards, Antibiotics and Natural Products Divisions. As an elected member, I was responsible for establishing standards of identity, safety, quality, purity of drug substances and drug products as well as in-vitro and diagnostic products, dietary supplements and related articles used in health care. In March 2000, I was reelected to another 5 year term to the USP Council of Experts.
4. Last but not least, in l998, I received an Outstanding Filipino-American Senior Citizen Award in Chemistry, Science and Research. The medal and plaque was presented by Philippine Centennial Festival Committee of the Philippine American Foundation of Charities in Washington D.C.
5. My last award had monetary value: In 1986, I was awarded a grant to participate in the Transfer of Knowledge through Expatriate Nationals (TOKTEN) program for two weeks at the University of the Philippines Natural Science Research Institute, Diliman, Q.C. The program provided for free round trip transportation from US to the Philippines and back plus a generous per diem in dollars for two weeks. The program was coordinated by the United Nations Development Program in New York and in Manila. Today the program is now known as the Balik-Scientist Program.
The summary of my Pamana Award in Chemistry nomination package reads:
"Dr Katague is a trailblazer in the field of Chemistry and Drug Regulation. He is the first Filipino American to attain the position of Team Leader and Expert in the Center of New Drugs, Food and Drug Administration. He is also the first Filipino-American to be elected for two 5 year terms( 1995-2005) to the United States Pharmacopeia Council of Experts since its inception in 1820. Dr Katague's drive and energy to succeed is a representation of the Filipino people's talent and passion for excellence. He has shown that Filipinos can contribute significantly to the advancement of science, therefore help the world a better and safer place by insuring that only safe and better quality drugs are approved and marketed."
* For details of my accomplishments and my complete autobiography please visit: http://davidbkatague.blogspot.com
Sunday, December 17, 2017
Our White House Christmas Tree Ornaments this Year
For the past decade the major décor of our Christmas tree are the White House Ornaments that Macrine and I have collected since 1993 (http://davidbkatague.blogspot.com/2016/12/our-white-house-christmas-tree.html).
Attached are some of our favorite ornaments. You can purchase these on line or in the post office for some editions.
In case you are not familiar with these ornaments please visit the sites below:
https://shop.whitehousehistory.org/
https://www.whitehousegiftshop.com/category-s/2278.htm
Friday, December 15, 2017
My Fifteen Favorite Quotes on Leadership-Is Trump a Good Leader?
Is our current POTUS a good Leader? My opinion is a resounding NO! This week POTUS approval rating is at its lowest for only 32%. If he does not stop tweeting showing his arrogance and stupidity, I have a feeling it will go down a couple of percentage lower.
1. A good leader must first be a good follower-David B. Katague
2. "The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things." Ronald Reagan
3. "Power isn't control at all--power is strength, and giving that strength to others. A leader isn't someone who forces others to make him stronger; a leader is someone willing to give his strength to others that they may have the strength to stand on their own." Beth Revis
4. "I have three precious things which I hold fast and prize. The first is gentleness; the second is frugality; the third is humility, which keeps me from putting myself before others. Be gentle and you can be bold; be frugal and you can be liberal; avoid putting yourself before others and you can become a leader among men." Lao Tzu
5. "Leadership is the art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it." Dwight D. Eisenhower
6. "Leaders must be close enough to relate to others, but far enough ahead to motivate them." John C. Maxwell
7. "Leadership is not about titles, positions, or flow charts. It is about one life influencing another." John C. Maxwell
8. "A leader is a dealer in hope." Napoleon
9. "I cannot trust a man to control others who cannot control himself." Robert E. Lee
10. "There is a difference between being a leader and being a boss. Both are based on authority. A boss demands blind obedience; a leader earns his authority through understanding and trust." Klaus Balkenhol
11. "The art of leadership is saying no, not yes. It is very easy to say yes." Tony Blair
12. "Wisdom equals knowledge plus courage. You have to not only know what to do and when to do it, but you have to also be brave enough to follow through." Jarod Kintz
13."Remember, teamwork begins by building trust. And the only way to do that is to overcome our need for invulnerability." Patrick Lencioni
14. "Surround yourself with great people; delegate authority; get out of the way" Ronald Reagan
15. "The challenge of leadership is to be strong but not rude; be kind, but not weak; be bold, but not a bully; be humble, but not timid; be proud, but not arrogant; have humor, but without folly." Jim Rohn
https://www.forbes.com/sites/kevinkruse/2012/10/16/quotes-on-leadership/#3b228c492feb
Wednesday, December 13, 2017
Mayor Of San Francisco Ed Lee Died Yesterday
Mayor Ed Lee (65 years old))of San Francisco, my oldest son (Dodie) look alike died suddenly of cardiac arrest yesterday. Attached are Mayor Lee's photo along side with Dodie's photo. Both Dodie and the deceased mayor have similar height and weight, that a number of times when Dodie was in San Francisco the last couple of years, several residents greeted him as the mayor. Here's the news of Mayor Lee's death from CNN yesterday in case you have not read it.
http://www.cnn.com/2017/12/12/politics/ed-lee-san-francisco/index.html
My son, Dodie Katague ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/dodie-katague-83ab6a18).
Do you agree with the look alike resemblance? My son is six years younger than Mr. Ed Lee. Both of them have studied Law.
Our condolences to the Lee Family!
http://www.cnn.com/2017/12/12/politics/ed-lee-san-francisco/index.html
My son, Dodie Katague ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/dodie-katague-83ab6a18).
Do you agree with the look alike resemblance? My son is six years younger than Mr. Ed Lee. Both of them have studied Law.
Our condolences to the Lee Family!
Tuesday, December 12, 2017
The Healing Power of Music for Our Mental Health
The power of music for our mental health and for uplifting our spirits( souls) are well documented(A). For example when my wife (Macrine) and I feel depressed or lonely we play our favorite songs. In the case of my wife, she would play her favorite Julio Iglesias Sr songs.
(https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/latin-notas/5719517/julio-iglesias-turns-70-celebrate-with-some-of-his-best-loved)
In my case I listened to my favorite piano or violin concertos(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXYtJB7Qslk).
Our favorite music are either vocal, instrumental or choral music.
Just recently Macrine first cousin in the Philippines ( Rene Nieva) tagged me in Facebook with his piano playing of Some Enchanting Evening from South Pacific. He wrote that this piece has lifted Macrine's feeling of being lonely because of her Parkinson Disease.
Here's a short reprint from Rene Nieva FB page.
"I recall one time when we -- Yong, Oskie, Genny and I -- visited Manong Dave and Manang Macrine in their beautiful Chateau du Mer Resort in Marinduque some years back. Manang Macrine was not feeling well at the time and was quiet at first. But when we serenaded her with "Some Enchanted Evening", which happened to be a favorite of hers, she perked up and ended up singing along with us. We were so happy to hear her doing so that we were on the verge of tears. Such was the power of music to drive suffering and loneliness away, and would always be so ".
(A) https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/brick-brick/201402/does-music-have-healing-powers
Monday, December 11, 2017
Best Anti-Trump Jokes and Funny Photos of 2017
I was just reading a couple of days ago that POTUS approval rating is at its lowest at 32%. If he continues his Tweeting I believe it will still go down to less than 30%. What do you think? I have been an avid viewer of late night talk Television shows. Majority of the hosts ( comedians) are anti-Trump. Below is a collection of best anti-Trump jokes of 2017 and funny photos in case you have not read it. Enjoy!
https://www.thoughtco.com/best-donald-trump-jokes-3991720
http://mojly.com/37-funny-photos-of-donald-trumph-6012/
▶ 0:31
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JuzGrm2CRE
Saturday, December 9, 2017
Top Ten Late Night Television Memorable Moments of 2017
If you are an avid TV watchers of late night talk shows and comedies, you can identify with the following article from Time Magazines
This year, I have been a been watching Stephen Colbert( CBS) and Jimmy Fallon (NBC) religiously. I love all the ant-Trump monologs of Colbert and Fallon. Occasionally I watched Jimmy Kimmel and Saturday Night Live. In case you have not read, here's the top ten video excerpts as complied by Time Magazine. Enjoy and start laughing to your heart content!
http://time.com/5026203/top-10-late-night-television-moments-2017/
This year, I have been a been watching Stephen Colbert( CBS) and Jimmy Fallon (NBC) religiously. I love all the ant-Trump monologs of Colbert and Fallon. Occasionally I watched Jimmy Kimmel and Saturday Night Live. In case you have not read, here's the top ten video excerpts as complied by Time Magazine. Enjoy and start laughing to your heart content!
http://time.com/5026203/top-10-late-night-television-moments-2017/
Friday, December 8, 2017
76th Anniversary of the Bombing of Pearl Harbor
Yesterday was the 76th Anniversary of the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor that started the Japanese-American War of World War II. The History TV channel had a 2-hour special documentary featuring a few survivors of that historic event that changed the US and made it the most powerful military nation of the world. The documentary also discussed the similarities ( poor intelligence gathering and communication) of the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the World Trade Center.
If you are a history enthusiast the above documentary is a must see. The above documentary reminded me of my award winning trilogy on my childhood memories of the Japanese-American war in the Philippines published in my Hubpages.com account as follows:
https://hubpages.com/literature/my-childhood-memories-of-world-war-2
For details on the 76th Anniversary celebration of the Bombing of Pearl Harbor read:
http://pearlharborevents.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIqfHav5P71wIVhuNkCh1k-gpTEAAYASAAEgKn4_D_BwE
Thursday, December 7, 2017
Three Ways to Retard Progression of Parkinson Disease
Macrine(a) Nieva Jambalos, my spouse of 60 years has Parkinson since 2013. There is no cure for Parkinson's as of this writing date. However to retard the progression of her neurological disorder- her neurologist recommends her therapy be attack in three ways-medication, diet and exercise. So far this three way regimen appear to be retarding the progression of her Parkinson's.
First is Medication: Currently Macrine takes 3 tablets of carbido levodopa. 25/100mg, 4 times during the day in the following regimem-one tablet in the morning, then one-half tablet after 5 hours, then another whole tablet for the next 4 hours and one-half tablet before bed time. She is also taking a stool softener( constipation as side effect of medication), mirtazapine (15 mg) and metformin ( 500mg) for her diabetes. She drinks a lot of fluids also. For side effects of Carbido levodopa read :http://davidbkatague.blogspot.com/2017/07/side-effects-of-carbo-levo-dopa-sinemet.html
Second is Exercise: Occasional swimming( summer time), sitting exercises and playing the piano.
Third is diet( nutrition): Macrine eat a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables and seafood products. She drinks lots of water for her constipation- a side effect of her medications.
For more information about nutrition recommended for Parkinson Disease patients read the following:
https://www.michaeljfox.org/understanding-parkinsons/living-with-pd/topic.php?nutrition
Sunday, December 3, 2017
Set Aside Modesty When it Comes to Your Grand Children Accomplishments
I have just finished reading a posting in the FaceBook page of a relative being apologetic when he posted accomplishments of his grand children. I informed him to forget humbleness when it comes your grand children accomplishments because it is only human to be proud of your grand children accomplishments.
From the FB page of a Relative: PROUD OF MY APOS: This Popsie, as my grandchildren or apos call me, cannot help but post these recent milestones and achievements in their young lives. I'm sure other people's grandchildren have equal if not higher achievements than mine. But however major or minor my apos' feats are, I cannot help but share them with friends and relatives. Please forgive me for casting modesty aside.
My Comment: When it comes to achievements of your apos, there is no modesty and I fully understand the feelings of a proud GrandPa and GrandMa. I endorse your "yabang" a million times. I am sure there will be more accomplishments/milestones as they grow to adulthood so keep up with the postings ( exactly what I am doing with the accomplishments of my own children and apos).
So casting modesty aside, May I have the pleasure of presenting my 14-year old grand daughter Carenna Katague Thompson musical accomplishments :
https://www.facebook.com/CarennaKTmusic/
Saturday, December 2, 2017
All You Want to Know About Skin Cancer but were Afraid to Ask
My mole/wart on my face looks like the one above but slightly bigger
Yesterday I went to see a Dermatologist at the urgings of my son and spouse worried of my mole/wart under my eyes that appeared to be growing might be cancerous. So two weeks ago, I went to the Urgent Care Center near us. The Center sent me home since they do not do dermatology and advised me to see my physician or a dermatologist. I immediately called my family physician and was able to make an appointment two days ago. She advised me to see a dermatologist. The dermatologist she referred me can not see me until February, so I googled a list of Dermatologist in our area. I was able to find one who saw me yesterday.
The last time I saw a dermatologist was about 5 years ago for a mole on my neck. It took me a 3-months wait to see him and I have to drive all the way to mid town Sacramento. The dermatologist I saw yesterday was only a 15 minute drive from our house. The charming dermatologist has also good bedside manners and his nurse is originally from the Philippines. He took the mole/wart under my eyes in less than one minute. It felt like a bee sting and it bleed for more than five minutes, but it is not cancerous after a biopsy. I felt relieved. Here's a video of symptoms whether a mole is cancerous or not.
https://www.webmd.com/melanoma-skin-cancer/video/mole-or-skin-cancer
For All you want to Know about Skin Cancer but were afraid to ask, read the following:
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/skin-cancer.html
Yesterday I went to see a Dermatologist at the urgings of my son and spouse worried of my mole/wart under my eyes that appeared to be growing might be cancerous. So two weeks ago, I went to the Urgent Care Center near us. The Center sent me home since they do not do dermatology and advised me to see my physician or a dermatologist. I immediately called my family physician and was able to make an appointment two days ago. She advised me to see a dermatologist. The dermatologist she referred me can not see me until February, so I googled a list of Dermatologist in our area. I was able to find one who saw me yesterday.
The last time I saw a dermatologist was about 5 years ago for a mole on my neck. It took me a 3-months wait to see him and I have to drive all the way to mid town Sacramento. The dermatologist I saw yesterday was only a 15 minute drive from our house. The charming dermatologist has also good bedside manners and his nurse is originally from the Philippines. He took the mole/wart under my eyes in less than one minute. It felt like a bee sting and it bleed for more than five minutes, but it is not cancerous after a biopsy. I felt relieved. Here's a video of symptoms whether a mole is cancerous or not.
https://www.webmd.com/melanoma-skin-cancer/video/mole-or-skin-cancer
For All you want to Know about Skin Cancer but were afraid to ask, read the following:
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/skin-cancer.html
Thursday, November 30, 2017
Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto #3- Olga Kern
I feel like listening to classical music today. My selection today is Olga Kern playing Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto #3. I have read that this Concerto is the most difficult piece of music that has ever been composed*.
Listening to Olga play the concerto brought tears to my eyes. It is absolutely haunting and intense piece of music that I have enjoyed in my life. To have full enjoyment of the 40 minutes of music, watched it in 10 minutes segment. WOW! WoW! and WoW! Here's the video. Enjoy!
*The Piano Concerto No. 3 in D minor, Op. 30 composed in 1909 by Sergei Rachmaninoff has the reputation of being one of the most technically challenging piano concertos in the standard classical repertoire.
Olga Kern, the striking young Russian Gold Medal winner of the 2001 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition - whose performance of the Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 3 made her the first woman to achieve this distinction in over 30 years - made her New York City debut in Carnegie's Zankel Hall in May, 2004. Eleven days later she returned to New York to play at Carnegie again, this time on the stage of the Isaac Stern Auditorium at the invitation of Carnegie Hall. Olga Kern is a magnetic performer with one of the most prodigious piano techniques of any young pianist.
For more details on Kern's biography read: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olga_Kern
Monday, November 27, 2017
Ditas Katague Art Show-Grieving Thru Glee
Ditas Katague, my youngest daughter has been Chair of National Advisory Committee On Racial, Ethnic and Other Populations at U.S. Census Bureau since August 1, 2015 and its member of National Advisory Committee since 2012. She has more than 20 years of experience at federal, state and local government agencies. She serves as Chief of staff to California Public Utilities Commissioner Catherine Sandoval. She served as California's 2010 Census director as well as the 2000 Census Chief Deputy Director, overseeing and directing the statewide outreach and coordination.
Besides her regular job at the Governor's office in the State of California as Director of Census, 2020, Ditas other activities are her art work (http://www.grievingthruglee.com/) as well as her Yoga teachings (http://www.solfirejstreet.com/teachers/).
The video below was taken during her 2014 art show at the Penthouse Floor of Capitol Towers Condominium in Downtown Sacramento. I am really proud of Ditas (and Carenna also) accomplishments. During this show Carenna also sold a couple of her award-winning photographs.
Saturday, November 25, 2017
A Message from My Niece Down Under
Taken from the FaceBook of my Niece from Australia: Repeat after me: "I failed but I am not a failure" "I lost but I am not a loser" "I am not where I want to be in life but I am not finished yet" "My past will not determine my future" Have a great day everyone.....you deserve it!
The above message was in the FaceBook page of my niece residing in the suburbs of Sidney, Australia. The above message reminded me of my article " You have to Fail in order to Succeed" that I am reposting in case you have not read it.
http://davidbkatague.blogspot.com/2011/12/chapter-3-you-have-to-fail-in-order-to.html
I have also listed 20 of my favorite quotes on Failures and Success as follows:
1. “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” - Thomas Edison
2. “Success is the ability to go from failure to failure without losing your enthusiasm.” - Winston Churchill
3. “Failure is only the opportunity to begin again, only this time more wisely.” - Henry Ford
4. “Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising every time we fail.” - Confucious
5. “In order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure.” - Bill Cosby
6. “Develop success from failures. Discouragement and failure are two of the surest stepping stones to success.” - Dale Carnegie
7. “Failure is success if we learn from it.” - Malcolm Forbes
8. “I’ve come to believe that all my past failure and frustrations were actually laying the foundation for the understandings that have created the new level of living I now enjoy.” - Tony Robbins
9. “There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work and learning from failure.” - Colin Powell
10. “It is fine to celebrate success, but it is more important to heed the lessons of failure.” - Bill Gates
11. “Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed of a greater or equal benefit.” - Napoleon Hill
12. “Like success, failure is many things to many people. With Positive Mental Attitude, failure is a learning experience, a rung on the ladder, a plateau at which to get your thoughts in order and prepare to try again.” - W. Clement Stone
13. “The only real failure in life is not to be true to the best one knows.” - Buddha
14. “My great concern is not whether you have failed, but whether you are content with failure.” - Abraham Lincoln
15. “Don’t be afraid to fail. Don’t waste energy trying to cover up failure. Learn from your failures and go on to the next challenge. It’s ok to fail. If you’re not failing, you’re not growing.” - H. Stanley Judd
16. “Think like a queen. A queen is not afraid to fail. Failing is another steppingstone to greatness.” - Oprah Winfrey
17. “Remember that failure is an event, not a person.” - Zig Ziglar
18. “Failure after long perseverance is much grander than never to have a striving good enough to be called a failure.” - George Eliot
19. “Why do I talk about the benefits of failure? Simply because failure meant a stripping away of the inessential. I stopped pretending to myself that I was anything other than what I was and began to direct all my energy into finishing the only work that mattered to me.” - J.K. Rowling
20. “I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. Twenty-six times I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” - Michael Jordan
https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-7915/20-iconic-quotes-on-failure-that-will-inspire-you-to-succeed.html
Friday, November 24, 2017
Our First Taste of Dungeness Crab this Year
Today, I purchase two Dungeness crabs from my favorite grocery store(Food Mart) for only 5.99/lb. Each crab weighs about 1.5 lbs. I only purchase two because David III is not eating with us. The crab is perfect with fresh lemons growing in my garden here in FO. We have turkey and ham last night so this is a good change of menu for us.
The Dungeness crab, Metacarcinus magister (formerly Cancer magister), is a species of crab that inhabits eelgrass beds and water bottoms on the west coast of North America. It typically grows to 20 cm (7.9 in) across the carapace and is a popular seafood. Its common name comes from the port of Dungeness, Washington. The crabs is a special attraction to tourists in the San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf during the Crab Season. The season for the San Francisco Bay starts in the second Tuesday of November.
For more details on Dungeness fishing regulations read:
https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing/Ocean/Regulations/Fishing-Map/San-Francisco
Thursday, November 23, 2017
Today is Thanksgiving Day in the United States
My Miniature Orchid in Bloom Again-Happy Thanksgiving to All
Today is Thanksgiving Day here in the US. This year we will celebrate it at my wife niece residence ( Lanie Lazarte Chalfin) in Mountain View. The whole Jambalos and Katague Clan have been invited for dinner tonight.
There are three things I am thanking the Lord this year. First, to all my friends and relatives who have encouraged me to continue my writing and blogging activities based on their comments on my FB page and blogs. There are days when I feel its time to quit, but thanks to your comments I have been posting articles almost every other day since 2008.
Second, I thank the Lord for my Health and for my spouse(for 60 years)-Macrine. Macrine was diagnosed with Parkinson Disease in 2013. Thanks to medications, diet and exercise her PD is progressing very slowly. The support and understanding of friends and relatives alleviate her loneliness and sense of isolation -a side effect of the medications she is taking to control her movement disorder. In my case, I will be 83 years old next month. So far my high blood pressure and adult on-set diabetes are under control. I watch my diet ( lots of fruits and vegetables), read and write, play duplicate bridge ( exercise my mind) and do some light gardening and housework for my physical exercise.
The 4 D's-Dodie, Dinah, David III and Ditas, Mountain View, CA 2013
Last, but not least, Macrine and I are thanking our four Children and six Grandchildren for their love and support. Special thanks and Happy Birthday ( yesterday) again to David III who helps me in taking care of his Mom on his days off from work. His help makes my life as a primary care giver more pleasant and bearable. Your Mom and I love you very much and hope you have many more birthdays to come.
My six grand children, Ian, Elaine, Philip, Alix, Marina and Carenna, 2011
Thanksgiving day always reminds me of our First Thanksgiving Day here in the US as follows:
https://hubpages.com/holidays/my-first-thanksgiving-day-in-the-united-states
Again Happy Holidays!
Today is Thanksgiving Day here in the US. This year we will celebrate it at my wife niece residence ( Lanie Lazarte Chalfin) in Mountain View. The whole Jambalos and Katague Clan have been invited for dinner tonight.
There are three things I am thanking the Lord this year. First, to all my friends and relatives who have encouraged me to continue my writing and blogging activities based on their comments on my FB page and blogs. There are days when I feel its time to quit, but thanks to your comments I have been posting articles almost every other day since 2008.
Second, I thank the Lord for my Health and for my spouse(for 60 years)-Macrine. Macrine was diagnosed with Parkinson Disease in 2013. Thanks to medications, diet and exercise her PD is progressing very slowly. The support and understanding of friends and relatives alleviate her loneliness and sense of isolation -a side effect of the medications she is taking to control her movement disorder. In my case, I will be 83 years old next month. So far my high blood pressure and adult on-set diabetes are under control. I watch my diet ( lots of fruits and vegetables), read and write, play duplicate bridge ( exercise my mind) and do some light gardening and housework for my physical exercise.
The 4 D's-Dodie, Dinah, David III and Ditas, Mountain View, CA 2013
Last, but not least, Macrine and I are thanking our four Children and six Grandchildren for their love and support. Special thanks and Happy Birthday ( yesterday) again to David III who helps me in taking care of his Mom on his days off from work. His help makes my life as a primary care giver more pleasant and bearable. Your Mom and I love you very much and hope you have many more birthdays to come.
My six grand children, Ian, Elaine, Philip, Alix, Marina and Carenna, 2011
Thanksgiving day always reminds me of our First Thanksgiving Day here in the US as follows:
https://hubpages.com/holidays/my-first-thanksgiving-day-in-the-united-states
Again Happy Holidays!
Sunday, November 19, 2017
Why Go to the Beach Regularly or Build a Beach House
Amoingon Beach, Front Yard of Chateau Du Mer
I have been wondering why every time I am In our Beach House in Amoingon, Boac, Marinduque, Philippines, I feel more relax and very Happy. The following article lists four reasons and why one should go to the beach regularly or better yet build a beach house if you can afford it.
Chateau Du Mer Beach House, Boac, Marinduque, Philippines
Beach Wedding Ceremony, Chateau Du Mer Beach Resort and Conference Center, Boac, Marinduque
http://mysticalraven.com/health/9646/neuroscientists-strongly-recommend-that-you-visit-the-beach-regularly-heres-why
I have been wondering why every time I am In our Beach House in Amoingon, Boac, Marinduque, Philippines, I feel more relax and very Happy. The following article lists four reasons and why one should go to the beach regularly or better yet build a beach house if you can afford it.
Chateau Du Mer Beach House, Boac, Marinduque, Philippines
Beach Wedding Ceremony, Chateau Du Mer Beach Resort and Conference Center, Boac, Marinduque
http://mysticalraven.com/health/9646/neuroscientists-strongly-recommend-that-you-visit-the-beach-regularly-heres-why
Friday, November 17, 2017
I Started Playing Duplicate Bridge On Line Again
After a hiatus of almost five years, I started playing duplicate bridge on line again. It is an excellent exercise for my aging brain. I have registered as an intermediate player at the website: http://www.bridgebase.com/.
Try playing on this site which is a very popular site for all bridge players over the world for free. You must registered to play.
Another site to play contract bridge: http://games.aarp.org/games/bridge/
For more details about bridge( both contract and duplicate) read the following hub in my Hubpages account.
https://hubpages.com/games-hobbies/bridge-is-my-card-game
If you get tired of playing bridge try playing Hongkong Mahjong at this site:
http://www.itsmahjong.com/
Monday, November 13, 2017
My Boy Scout Uniform Featured in the Mindanao Daily News
Dr. David B.Katague of Iloilo wears the BSP uniform circa 1943-1945, similar to the one worn by Scout Loloy Queppet when he met MacArthur in 1942.
While surfing on the Internet the other day, I was surprise to see the following article with my boys scout uniform picture. I did not have a copyright to my photograph so I was not aware that the Mindanao Daily News had used my picture in the following article of historical significance- regarding the reenactment of General McArthur's arrival in Macabalan Pier, Cagayan De Oro in 1942 from Corregidor on his way to Australia.
The departure of General McArthur from Corregidor to Australia was not well publicized in comparison to his return to Leyte from Australia in October, 1944 almost at the end of the war. ( see footnotes on bottom of this page),
Here's a reprint of the whole article as published in the Mindanao Daily News dated March 15, 2017.
General Douglas MacArthur Week: BSP Council to honor scout who met MacArthur in Macabalan
Mar 15, 2017 Clifford Santillan , Mindanao Daily News.
The Boy Scouts of the Philippines Cagayan de Oro Council will honor one of its scouters for the role he played in a footnote in history on March 13, 1942.
As recounted by Ann Gorra in her anthology “City of Gold: People Who Made Their Home and History in Cagayan de Oro”, Abelardo Neri Queppet was one of the scouts of Baden-Powell Troop (named after the founder of the Scouting movement Lord Baden-Powell) in charge of enforcing the mandatory blackout.
His Dad encouraged him to join the Boy Scouts and he was a member of Troop 1 at the City Central School. There were at least 20 scouts in the troop among them Jaime Tiano, Victor Roa, Terencio Gadrinab, Hugo Balase, Antonio Zacharies, Vic Itchon, Jose Apolinario and Cristobal Nagac.
These were dark days in Philippine history when the country was tottering on the brink of defeat with US and Filipino forces boxed in Bataan and Corregidor by the all-conquering Japanese Imperial Army. So it was strictly lights out after 5PM for everyone lest they be subjected to Japanese attack.
Cagayan de Oro’s Macabalan Pier during the Japanese Occupation
“As soon as dusk gave way to night, I rode my bike (bought from a Japanese Bazaar) and rode around Del Mar, Mindanao and to the pier, blowing my whistle to warn residents that it was time to shut their lights off.” Loloy was assigned to do the task by his Scout Master Epifanio Balase since he was a native-born Kagay-anon and knew his way around. Even if he was just 14 years old at the time, Loloy went about his routine like a professional: waking up at 6AM, clean the house, eat breakfast, and report to HQ in his Boy Scout Uniform: shorts, knee socks, red and blue neckerchief, brown shirt and Boy Scout cap.
Another of Loloy’s responsibilities was to direct traffic at Plaza Divisoria to expedite the passage of US military convoys to avoid strafings by Japanese planes.
His friend, one Sergeant Hunter, charged with the security of Macabalan port in those days, often kidded him about making sure he stops the tartanillas since they had no brakes.
On the evening of Thursday, March 12, 1942, Sgt. Hunter asked Loloy to be at the parola (lighthouse) in Macabalan at 7PM. Upon his arrival, Sgt. Hunter told him they were expecting General Douglas MacArthur to arrive between midnight and dawn. Sure enough, at 7AM of Friday, March 13, 1942, MacArthur and his party disembarked from two PT Boats at Macabalan Pier and rode a convoy of military vehicles to the Del Monte airfield in nearby Tankulan, Bukidnon.
But not before the General noticed the Boy Scout and his bike (who saluted him with the three fingered Boy Scout salute), standing by the gangplank where they were disembarking (now the site of the flagpole for the Cagayan de Oro Port Management Office of the Philippine Ports Authority).
Asked what the Boy Scout was doing there, one of the soldiers replied he was a community volunteer.
“Send him home,” MacArthur said. “The war is inevitable.” (Gorra, 2010)
On Monday, March 13, 2017, the City of Cagayan de Oro through the City Historical and Cultural Commission (Hiscom) leads the 75th Diamond Jubilee of General MacArthur’s Breakout from Corregidor to Australia, via Cagayan, Misamis and Dicklum, Tankulan (Manolo Fortich).
Among the salient moments of the week –long celebration from March 13-17, 2017, is the reenactment of MacArthur’s arrival at Macabalan.
To be included among the cast of reenactors, (and unknown to world history save for the local yarn as told by Loloy to Ms. Gorra), is Boy Scout Abelardo “Loloy” Neri Queppet, who will be played by his 9-year old grand nephew Clark Dexter M. Prudente of the Baden-Powell Troop of Xavier University High School, the same troop of by his late grand uncle when he met MacArthur.
According to Boys Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) Cagayan de Oro Council Chair Roy Hilario P. Raagas, they will be awarding the late Scout Queppet a posthumous award for his valiant deeds as a Boy Scout in enforcing the blackout and directing traffic under dangerous circumstances in Plaza Divisoria in 1942.
BSP Cagayan de Oro Council Scout Executive Rudy Guligado added the local council will also present the family of Genevieve Josefa Queppet Ramonal, his only child, with a BSP Centennial Medallion and plaque during the 75th Commemorative Dinner and Program on March 17 which closes the curtains on General Douglas MacArthur Week.
Scout Loloy Queppet passed on in September 2008. But his date with one of the titans of the 20th Century will now forever stay entwined with the saga of General Douglas MacArthur, “The Liberator of the Philippines.”
Footnotes: From McArthur's Biography in Wikipedia:
"In February 1942, as Japanese forces tightened their grip on the Philippines, MacArthur was ordered by President Roosevelt to relocate to Australia. MacArthur discussed the idea with his staff that he resign his commission and fight on as a private soldier in the Philippine resistance but Sutherland talked him out of it.
On the night of March 12, 1942, MacArthur and a select group (that included his wife Jean and son Arthur, as well as Sutherland, Akin, Casey, Marshall, Willoughby, Diller, and George) left Corregidor in four PT boats. MacArthur, his family and Sutherland traveled in PT 41, commanded by Lieutenant John D. Bulkeley. The others followed in PT 34, PT 35 and PT 32.( The PT's disembarked in Macabalan Pier in Cagayan de Oro, then proceeded via military vehicles to the Airfield in Bukidnon).
MacArthur and his party reached Del Monte Airfield in Bukidnon province on the island of Mindanao two days later. General George Marshall sent three U.S. Navy B-17s to pick them up. Two of them arrived, and brought the entire group to Australia".
Source: http://www.mindanaodailynews.com/general-douglas-macarthur-week-bsp-council-to-honor-scout-who-met-macarthur-in-macabalan/
While surfing on the Internet the other day, I was surprise to see the following article with my boys scout uniform picture. I did not have a copyright to my photograph so I was not aware that the Mindanao Daily News had used my picture in the following article of historical significance- regarding the reenactment of General McArthur's arrival in Macabalan Pier, Cagayan De Oro in 1942 from Corregidor on his way to Australia.
The departure of General McArthur from Corregidor to Australia was not well publicized in comparison to his return to Leyte from Australia in October, 1944 almost at the end of the war. ( see footnotes on bottom of this page),
Here's a reprint of the whole article as published in the Mindanao Daily News dated March 15, 2017.
General Douglas MacArthur Week: BSP Council to honor scout who met MacArthur in Macabalan
Mar 15, 2017 Clifford Santillan , Mindanao Daily News.
The Boy Scouts of the Philippines Cagayan de Oro Council will honor one of its scouters for the role he played in a footnote in history on March 13, 1942.
As recounted by Ann Gorra in her anthology “City of Gold: People Who Made Their Home and History in Cagayan de Oro”, Abelardo Neri Queppet was one of the scouts of Baden-Powell Troop (named after the founder of the Scouting movement Lord Baden-Powell) in charge of enforcing the mandatory blackout.
His Dad encouraged him to join the Boy Scouts and he was a member of Troop 1 at the City Central School. There were at least 20 scouts in the troop among them Jaime Tiano, Victor Roa, Terencio Gadrinab, Hugo Balase, Antonio Zacharies, Vic Itchon, Jose Apolinario and Cristobal Nagac.
These were dark days in Philippine history when the country was tottering on the brink of defeat with US and Filipino forces boxed in Bataan and Corregidor by the all-conquering Japanese Imperial Army. So it was strictly lights out after 5PM for everyone lest they be subjected to Japanese attack.
Cagayan de Oro’s Macabalan Pier during the Japanese Occupation
“As soon as dusk gave way to night, I rode my bike (bought from a Japanese Bazaar) and rode around Del Mar, Mindanao and to the pier, blowing my whistle to warn residents that it was time to shut their lights off.” Loloy was assigned to do the task by his Scout Master Epifanio Balase since he was a native-born Kagay-anon and knew his way around. Even if he was just 14 years old at the time, Loloy went about his routine like a professional: waking up at 6AM, clean the house, eat breakfast, and report to HQ in his Boy Scout Uniform: shorts, knee socks, red and blue neckerchief, brown shirt and Boy Scout cap.
Another of Loloy’s responsibilities was to direct traffic at Plaza Divisoria to expedite the passage of US military convoys to avoid strafings by Japanese planes.
His friend, one Sergeant Hunter, charged with the security of Macabalan port in those days, often kidded him about making sure he stops the tartanillas since they had no brakes.
On the evening of Thursday, March 12, 1942, Sgt. Hunter asked Loloy to be at the parola (lighthouse) in Macabalan at 7PM. Upon his arrival, Sgt. Hunter told him they were expecting General Douglas MacArthur to arrive between midnight and dawn. Sure enough, at 7AM of Friday, March 13, 1942, MacArthur and his party disembarked from two PT Boats at Macabalan Pier and rode a convoy of military vehicles to the Del Monte airfield in nearby Tankulan, Bukidnon.
But not before the General noticed the Boy Scout and his bike (who saluted him with the three fingered Boy Scout salute), standing by the gangplank where they were disembarking (now the site of the flagpole for the Cagayan de Oro Port Management Office of the Philippine Ports Authority).
Asked what the Boy Scout was doing there, one of the soldiers replied he was a community volunteer.
“Send him home,” MacArthur said. “The war is inevitable.” (Gorra, 2010)
On Monday, March 13, 2017, the City of Cagayan de Oro through the City Historical and Cultural Commission (Hiscom) leads the 75th Diamond Jubilee of General MacArthur’s Breakout from Corregidor to Australia, via Cagayan, Misamis and Dicklum, Tankulan (Manolo Fortich).
Among the salient moments of the week –long celebration from March 13-17, 2017, is the reenactment of MacArthur’s arrival at Macabalan.
To be included among the cast of reenactors, (and unknown to world history save for the local yarn as told by Loloy to Ms. Gorra), is Boy Scout Abelardo “Loloy” Neri Queppet, who will be played by his 9-year old grand nephew Clark Dexter M. Prudente of the Baden-Powell Troop of Xavier University High School, the same troop of by his late grand uncle when he met MacArthur.
According to Boys Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) Cagayan de Oro Council Chair Roy Hilario P. Raagas, they will be awarding the late Scout Queppet a posthumous award for his valiant deeds as a Boy Scout in enforcing the blackout and directing traffic under dangerous circumstances in Plaza Divisoria in 1942.
BSP Cagayan de Oro Council Scout Executive Rudy Guligado added the local council will also present the family of Genevieve Josefa Queppet Ramonal, his only child, with a BSP Centennial Medallion and plaque during the 75th Commemorative Dinner and Program on March 17 which closes the curtains on General Douglas MacArthur Week.
Scout Loloy Queppet passed on in September 2008. But his date with one of the titans of the 20th Century will now forever stay entwined with the saga of General Douglas MacArthur, “The Liberator of the Philippines.”
Footnotes: From McArthur's Biography in Wikipedia:
"In February 1942, as Japanese forces tightened their grip on the Philippines, MacArthur was ordered by President Roosevelt to relocate to Australia. MacArthur discussed the idea with his staff that he resign his commission and fight on as a private soldier in the Philippine resistance but Sutherland talked him out of it.
On the night of March 12, 1942, MacArthur and a select group (that included his wife Jean and son Arthur, as well as Sutherland, Akin, Casey, Marshall, Willoughby, Diller, and George) left Corregidor in four PT boats. MacArthur, his family and Sutherland traveled in PT 41, commanded by Lieutenant John D. Bulkeley. The others followed in PT 34, PT 35 and PT 32.( The PT's disembarked in Macabalan Pier in Cagayan de Oro, then proceeded via military vehicles to the Airfield in Bukidnon).
MacArthur and his party reached Del Monte Airfield in Bukidnon province on the island of Mindanao two days later. General George Marshall sent three U.S. Navy B-17s to pick them up. Two of them arrived, and brought the entire group to Australia".
Source: http://www.mindanaodailynews.com/general-douglas-macarthur-week-bsp-council-to-honor-scout-who-met-macarthur-in-macabalan/
Thursday, November 9, 2017
Dodie and Ditas Katague were in the News Last Week
Dodie's Family without Philip Winchester-his oldest son
Dodie is my oldest son. His full baptismal name is Diosdado- meaning God-given. Ditas on the other hand is my youngest daughter.
Dodie has almost 30 years experience as a prosecuting attorney for the Contra Costa County in Martinez, California. He has specialized in High Tech Crimes Prosecution and have expertise in the presentation of digital evidence in the courtroom and legal analysis. He has lectured on Internet Crime Prosecution, Identity Theft Prosecution, and Presenting Digital Evidence. He has authored and advocated for California legislation regarding Internet harassment and Search Warrants that became law.
He is also the author of a fiction novel, "Cloyne Court", about college life during the 1970's at the infamous student cooperative at UC Berkeley. Currently he is working on a new fictional novel, "Devil Mountain DA"
http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2017/11/02/24-hour-fitness-hit-with-1-2-million-penalty-over-shady-sales-tactics/#.Wfzksb_OcQA.facebook
Ditas is in the blue outfit chairing discussions in preparation for the 2020 National Census.
Ditas is my youngest daughter. Her full baptismal name is Ditas Macrine. Last week she finished 3 days of intense but productive meetings at the National Advisory Committee on Race, Ethnicities and Other Populations, Bureau of Census at the Pentagon in Washington, DC.
She is currently the chairperson of the above committee. This is a voluntary work for her. This is not directly connected to her current job in the Finance Department of the Office of the Governor of the State of California.
Ditas has been Chair of National Advisory Committee On Racial, Ethnic and Other Populations at U.S. Census Bureau since August 1, 2015 and a member of National Advisory Committee since 2012. She has more than 20 years of experience at federal, state and local government agencies. She serves as Chief of staff to California Public Utilities Commissioner Catherine Sandoval. She served as California's 2010 Census director as well as the 2000 Census Chief Deputy Director, overseeing and directing the statewide outreach and coordination. For more news on the coming 2020 census read:
https://lasentinel.net/2020-census-apathy-will-be-detrimental-to-people-of-color.html and
http://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Latinos-sound-alarm-on-2020-census-12334264.php
Both Macrine( my spouse for over 60 years) and I are very proud of Dodie's and Ditas accomplishments. We have two other(Dinah and David III) professional children. Like majority of young and middle-age professionals their accomplishments, bread and butter work as well as their extracurricular activities are seldom published or make the news. However, my wife and I are also very proud of their accomplishments in the field of Banking( Dinah-VP-UMPQUA) and Home Land Security (David III-TSA) Services.
Dodie is my oldest son. His full baptismal name is Diosdado- meaning God-given. Ditas on the other hand is my youngest daughter.
Dodie has almost 30 years experience as a prosecuting attorney for the Contra Costa County in Martinez, California. He has specialized in High Tech Crimes Prosecution and have expertise in the presentation of digital evidence in the courtroom and legal analysis. He has lectured on Internet Crime Prosecution, Identity Theft Prosecution, and Presenting Digital Evidence. He has authored and advocated for California legislation regarding Internet harassment and Search Warrants that became law.
He is also the author of a fiction novel, "Cloyne Court", about college life during the 1970's at the infamous student cooperative at UC Berkeley. Currently he is working on a new fictional novel, "Devil Mountain DA"
http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2017/11/02/24-hour-fitness-hit-with-1-2-million-penalty-over-shady-sales-tactics/#.Wfzksb_OcQA.facebook
Ditas is in the blue outfit chairing discussions in preparation for the 2020 National Census.
Ditas is my youngest daughter. Her full baptismal name is Ditas Macrine. Last week she finished 3 days of intense but productive meetings at the National Advisory Committee on Race, Ethnicities and Other Populations, Bureau of Census at the Pentagon in Washington, DC.
She is currently the chairperson of the above committee. This is a voluntary work for her. This is not directly connected to her current job in the Finance Department of the Office of the Governor of the State of California.
Ditas has been Chair of National Advisory Committee On Racial, Ethnic and Other Populations at U.S. Census Bureau since August 1, 2015 and a member of National Advisory Committee since 2012. She has more than 20 years of experience at federal, state and local government agencies. She serves as Chief of staff to California Public Utilities Commissioner Catherine Sandoval. She served as California's 2010 Census director as well as the 2000 Census Chief Deputy Director, overseeing and directing the statewide outreach and coordination. For more news on the coming 2020 census read:
https://lasentinel.net/2020-census-apathy-will-be-detrimental-to-people-of-color.html and
http://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Latinos-sound-alarm-on-2020-census-12334264.php
Both Macrine( my spouse for over 60 years) and I are very proud of Dodie's and Ditas accomplishments. We have two other(Dinah and David III) professional children. Like majority of young and middle-age professionals their accomplishments, bread and butter work as well as their extracurricular activities are seldom published or make the news. However, my wife and I are also very proud of their accomplishments in the field of Banking( Dinah-VP-UMPQUA) and Home Land Security (David III-TSA) Services.
Wednesday, November 8, 2017
What Happened to Rand Paul Could Have Happened to Me-My Autumn Leaves
I was watching the news the other day stating that Rand Paul neighbor attacked him resulting in 5 broken ribs. The attack was not politically motivated but due to a trivial matter about yard waste etc....
Manu Raju, a CNN correspondent, reported that it may have had something to do with “yard waste and leaves blown on each other’s lawns for years.
For details read: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2017/11/07/rand-paul-not-perfect-neighbor-says-community-developer/841622001/
This incident could have happened to me last year. My next door neighbor an 84 year old widow, have knocked a couple of times during this time of the year complaining that dead leaves from my yard is being blown by the wind to her front yard. She threatened that if I did not removed the leaves right away she would call the police. I would appease her by cleaning the leaves right away. Last year I did not have a gardener.
This year my gardener comes only twice a month. This time of the year, leaves have to be clean at least once a day, so it would not accumulate. David and I would only rake the leaves once a week. The leaves are accumulating and dropping every minute. This year my neighbor was diagnosed with early Alzheimer's. She is no longer obsessed with her yard. Her oldest son takes care of her. So far as of this writing date no one knocks at our door complaining about the autumn leaves in my yard.
The above incident reminds me of my favorite song this time of the year- Autumn Leaves as follows:
Manu Raju, a CNN correspondent, reported that it may have had something to do with “yard waste and leaves blown on each other’s lawns for years.
For details read: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2017/11/07/rand-paul-not-perfect-neighbor-says-community-developer/841622001/
This incident could have happened to me last year. My next door neighbor an 84 year old widow, have knocked a couple of times during this time of the year complaining that dead leaves from my yard is being blown by the wind to her front yard. She threatened that if I did not removed the leaves right away she would call the police. I would appease her by cleaning the leaves right away. Last year I did not have a gardener.
This year my gardener comes only twice a month. This time of the year, leaves have to be clean at least once a day, so it would not accumulate. David and I would only rake the leaves once a week. The leaves are accumulating and dropping every minute. This year my neighbor was diagnosed with early Alzheimer's. She is no longer obsessed with her yard. Her oldest son takes care of her. So far as of this writing date no one knocks at our door complaining about the autumn leaves in my yard.
The above incident reminds me of my favorite song this time of the year- Autumn Leaves as follows:
Tuesday, November 7, 2017
Cecile Licad-Filipino-American World Reknowned Pianist
I first heard of the Licads in the late 1950's when my wife Macrine was employed by Mr Serafin Lanot ( deceased) in his Printing Press, Tamaraw Press Inc. in the Philippines. Mr Lanot was the husband Gloria Licad( music professor and pianist-deceased) who was the aunt of Cecile. Gloria was the sister of Cecile's father, Dr. Jesus Licad. Through the years I have been following Cecile Licad's musical career. For details on Cecile biography read: http://www.barrettartists.com/artist.php?id=clicad&aview=bio
Here are two articles on Licad's musical performances/achievements in the Philippines: http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/220188/when-cecile-licad-played-a-fiery-concerto-with-fire-about-to-gut-the-venue/ and http://www.positivelyfilipino.com/magazine/2013/6/etude-on-a-life
Here's a video with her Brazilian husband for ten years, Antonio Meneses for your enjoyment.
Here are two articles on Licad's musical performances/achievements in the Philippines: http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/220188/when-cecile-licad-played-a-fiery-concerto-with-fire-about-to-gut-the-venue/ and http://www.positivelyfilipino.com/magazine/2013/6/etude-on-a-life
Here's a video with her Brazilian husband for ten years, Antonio Meneses for your enjoyment.
Sunday, November 5, 2017
Sometimes, It is Better to Give than Receive
The first three in the list are my donations and the last one is from my mother, Paz Barrido Balleza Katague( Deceased)
The DONOR WALL OF GRATITUDE
1. Money: Last May 7, 2014, Renan del Rosario, 1977 chemistry graduate and currently one of the advisers of the University of the Philippines Chemistry Alumni Foundation (UPCAF) treated me with a personal tour of the new Institute of Chemistry Teaching Building at the UP Diliman National Science Complex. It was one of the highlights of my 90-day snow birding sojourn in the Philippines three years ago. I was able to take photographs of the Donor Wall which included my name(see photo above). The Donor Wall is right at the entrance of the teaching building just by the side of the guard podium. That day reminded me of my student and teaching days (1952 to 1959) at the College of Chemistry now known as the Institute of Chemistry. I was only 24 years old when I first taught chemistry to pre-medical, nursing, and engineering students in the Fall of 1957.
Currently, I am a Life Member of the University of the Philippines Chemistry Alumni Foundation. I graduated from UP with a B.S. Chemistry degree in 1955. Immediately after graduation, I was appointed Assistant Instructor in Chemistry in my Alma Mater. A year later after I passed the National Chemistry Board Examination coping 3rd place, I was appointed to Instructor and held that position until 1959 when I decided to pursue graduate work in the United States.
The DONOR WALL OF GRATITUDE
1. Money: Last May 7, 2014, Renan del Rosario, 1977 chemistry graduate and currently one of the advisers of the University of the Philippines Chemistry Alumni Foundation (UPCAF) treated me with a personal tour of the new Institute of Chemistry Teaching Building at the UP Diliman National Science Complex. It was one of the highlights of my 90-day snow birding sojourn in the Philippines three years ago. I was able to take photographs of the Donor Wall which included my name(see photo above). The Donor Wall is right at the entrance of the teaching building just by the side of the guard podium. That day reminded me of my student and teaching days (1952 to 1959) at the College of Chemistry now known as the Institute of Chemistry. I was only 24 years old when I first taught chemistry to pre-medical, nursing, and engineering students in the Fall of 1957.
Currently, I am a Life Member of the University of the Philippines Chemistry Alumni Foundation. I graduated from UP with a B.S. Chemistry degree in 1955. Immediately after graduation, I was appointed Assistant Instructor in Chemistry in my Alma Mater. A year later after I passed the National Chemistry Board Examination coping 3rd place, I was appointed to Instructor and held that position until 1959 when I decided to pursue graduate work in the United States.
The construction of a National Science Complex in Diliman, Quezon City started a few years ago which included a new Teaching Building for Chemistry. The first phase of government Funding was 200 million pesos and the second phase was 118 million pesos.
In the Fall of 2013, I had the opportunity to visit the construction site through the kindness of Renan Del Rosario, the Chairman of the UPCAF Board of Trustees that year. Fund raisings for furniture in the new building were undergoing also that year. That year, I also donated to the Foundation 10,000 pesos ( about $200) through Renan. I felt good about that donation. It was my way of saying thank you for the educational benefits that I had received from the University of the Philippines.( See my name listed in the Donor Wall in the above photo).
2. Property: Sometime in the middle of May, 1990, I donated several volumes of technical journals from the duplicate copies from Stauffer Chemical library that were about to be burned and discarded. I was able to salvage several volumes of hard bound copies of Journal of Chromatography, 1971-1976. Also included in my donation were dozens of volumes of hardbound copies of BioChemistry ,1969-1984. The value of the donation was about $1500. Shipping was arranged through the Commission on Filipinos Overseas ( CFO). On May 23, 1990, I received a thank you letter from Alfredo Perdon, Executive Director of CFO,as follows:
Dear Dr. Katague:
The Commission on Filipino Overseas acknowledge with thanks the donation of five boxes of technical journals to the Institute of Chemistry, University of the Philippines.
Your donation is a manifestation of the willingness of Filipino overseas to be actively involved in the development efforts of the country. Such participation through the Commission's “ Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino” or “ Linkapil” likewise serves to strengthen the linkages between Filipinos overseas and their countrymen.
Needless to say, these books will be a most welcome addition to the journal collection of the UP College of Science Library and will certainly be useful to the thousands of students in the said university. Best Regards and thanks you again for your donation.”
3. Time and Expertise: In January, 1986, I participated in the United Nations Development Program at the University of the Philippines in Diliman. The program was for two weeks of consultancy ( lecture and management of research) at the U.P. Natural Sciences Research Institute( NSRI). My round trip fare was paid by UN and I also received a substantial amount of per diem during my consultancy period of two weeks. It was satisfying to give at least two weeks of my "Know-how" to my Alma Mater. The program at that time was called TOKTEN ( Transfer of Knowledge through Expatriate Nationals). Today, it is called Balik scientist program. The program helps in the alleviation of "Brain Drain" from 3rd world countries like the Philippines. This experience made me feel good, because I have given back to my alma mater, even just two weeks of my time in the field of pesticide research and analytical residues method development.
4. Property: In the early 1950's my mother Paz Balleza Katague donated a piece of land (about 15,000 sq.meters) for the Barotac Viejo National High School, Iloilo, Philippines. The photo above is my sister (Amor Gregorio) and me posing in front of the sign at entrance of the school listing the names of the Donors. The biggest lot was from my uncle, Jose Balleza, older brother of my mother.
Note: I did not include in this blog my wife and my involvement( giving up time, expertise, and funds) with the Marinduque International, Inc. Medical and Dental Missions to the Philippines for almost a decade, because I have already documented it in my Hubpages.com hub as follows: https://hubpages.com/politics/medical-mission-of-love-to-marinduque.
For future medical missions read the MI, Inc website or visit the FaceBook page of its current President, Agnes Lardizabal Apeles.
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