Christmas2017: optimism and frustrations

LIKE THE REST OF US, I had a share of few good vibes and a lot of frustrations for the year 2017.

I celebrated my 70th year in Baguio City together with the missus and several children and grand children (wow!) and we all had a memorable bonding time. But the downside of that trip was when Reginald (again) had bouts of vomiting and periodic hypertension spells. It seems the family must get used to Reginald’s bouts with his inborn frailties.

Balancing the downside aspect is the rising prominence of another son Jerome who is fast getting recognition from his company, Linde, a German firm, a far cry from his previous employer, Shell Philippines. At Linde, Jerome was given an award for his excellent job performance. I have all praises for him and with that he ascends further up the ladder of prominence and stability.

In sum, I can rest assured that my children and, by extension, my grand children, continue to grow as responsible individuals equipped with academic degrees and consummate and pleasant character and personality.

Jovito, currently a member of the INC, is an IT graduate who still struggles to find an ideal employment. On the side, he assists IT students of Mabalacat City College in their Capstone requirements. Janine, and Education graduate, the elder sister of Jovito, works at MCC, along with her elder brother Juancho also an INC member who is married to the former Cristina Ocampo, who is with PESO at city hall, Xevera.

Kristine, aged 17, is now on the finishing throes of Senior High School. A conscientious student at MCC, she plans to take up Education later.

My youngest, Sophia, is a stubborn teenager, who I fetch after school since she has evasive plans thereafter, opting to spend time with her barkada and gangmates instead of doing her chores at home. She needs close monitoring and ala-Jaworski guarding.

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The eldest, Joseph Bennett, now married and has three kids lives in Barangay Margot, Angeles City. Until now, he is still clueless as to what department he should work in at the city hall.

An astute real estate planner and glib talker, he aspires to become the administrator of the landholdings of his in-laws. He says if his plans for the QuiazonDe Guzman Corporation push through, he will tender his resignation from his present employment.

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Only Jonathan has shied away from the family groupings and activities. He has undergone several changes in his work plans, the latest of which is at SM appliance store. All in all, I am moderately pleased with the status of my children based in the Philippines.

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I wish to extend my sympathies and condolences to the family of the late Lolita Mateo, the beloved mother of my compadre Zosimo Gasmin, Jr and wife. Her remains lie in state at Loyola Memorial Park in Guadalupe and the interment last Wednesday December 20. I also extend felicitations to Liza L. Dean, OIC DFA based at Marquee Mall, Angeles City and staff; DZMM

Blackbox Radyo Patrol Jowie Rebate, greetings coming from Mr. and Mrs. Zosimo Gasmin, Jr.