Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Thoughts 2003




"Thriving is elegant."
~ Maya Angelou

To New Possibilities

What better thought that summarizes our 2003 experience! Each new experience - big or small, happy or sad, triumphant or otherwise - brought us new levels & meanings of humaness & spirituality. With this in mind, we strive to grow & blossom every moment with charm & grace. Indeed, to begin taking roots & sprouting leaves in the midst of challenges, in a new environment, & on a new journey - this time with America - is wonderful.

Edwin continues to find meaning in his work with the Immigration Law Office of Korenberg, Abramowitz & Feldun; it provides him opportunities to help people of different races achieve their American dream. As former Consul General, he pursues the dream of making a difference by contributing to the advancement of Filipino & other immigrants here in America. He recently got appointed as Board Member of the prestigious & newly organized Immigration Museum of the New Americans Post WW2 based in San Diego. Home & family have taken center stage in his life this year.

Beatrice for her part, is blessed to have family & friends who support her vision to explore boundless opportunities not only to sharpen her 'creative saw' & fulfill her passion to support Filipino & Asian arts & culture but also to explore mutually advantageous pursuits. She considers the following as her key involvements in 2003: The Rizal Breakfast which she coordinated with Edwin for the Immigration Museum; Asian Fashion Fantasy to showcase the Fashion Designers Association of the Philippines & support San Jacinto Foundation's School for the Underprivileged Students in the Philippines; Farewell Performance of the University of the Philippines Concert Chorus World Tour '03 in Los Angeles; the Filipino American Library Gala in Los Angeles; and the Asian Enterprise Awards held in San Diego.

Tristan Duke, intensely expressive & creative, a young man with an attitude, dares to manifest his artistic inclinations through his studies in telemedia & communications. At six feet two with a gym-sculpted physique, carelessly handsome, and with a flair for fashion, he actively supports Mom's artistic undertakings by being one of the models of the Asian Fashion Fantasy, & designing the stage for the Asian Enterprise Awards. More importantly, he devotes his time helping the family in every way to make this trying interlude, a little more bearable. At this stage in a young man's life, he defies expectations when he takes an effort to understand & be patient when being rebellious & reckless would be the easier thing to do.

Bernard Josef, at fifteen, strikes a higher level of love affair with the computer. He gathers friends from all over the world through the internet, playing competitive games as well as exchanging ideas on web designs. Most of the time, his ideas are sought after by his high-tech friends, a preoccupation that may gain for him financial advantage, but at the moment, serves as a channel for his artistic & intellectual energies. He has slimmed down & grown as tall as his Dad.

Family & friends, the meaning of Christmas for us in the past year has added a new dimension: we count as our gifts beautiful people like you...for the most beautiful people we have known are those who have experienced all kinds of difficulties, and "have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, & a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen." We thank our dear Lord for the gifts of beautiful people in our lives throughout the year - YOU!

To new possibilities in 2004 !
Wishes from

Edwin, Beatrice, Tristan Duke & Bernard Josef

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