“Single Lady” Candy Canga finally says “I Do”
April 21, 2009
DAUSA’s “Most Eligible Bachelorette” finally gave up the long held title after marrying another Fil-Am from San Francisco, Cris Picar, in a public wedding ceremony in Modesto, California on Sunday, April 18, 2009.
Candy served as Danao Association USA, Inc. (DAUSA) Vice President for 4 years, during the term of Gemma Montegrande, and as Project Manager of the associations’ Adopt-a-Student Program. She had her family in Danao get actively involved in the annual DAUSA Medical Mission, particulary her brother, Dr. Gregory Canga and mother Rose, a registered Nurse.
A resident of Modesto since arriving in California 18 years ago, Candy, a registered nurse, is Surgical Dept Manager at the Sutter Memorial Medical Center. She finished her MBA degree while working at this hospital.
Several fellow Danawanons from Southern California, led by Ben & Dr. Anita Cal-Jackson, DAUSA President, witnessed the solemn and beautiful ceremony.
Cris & Candy Canga-Picar’s Love Story
In November 2007, after 21 days of prayer and partial fasting, Candy shared with her girlfriend her desire to remain single while serving under the Refresh Women’s ministries.
But God had a different plan! On December 8, 2007, Candy’s cousin, Mimi, gave Candy’s cell number to Cris, a friend of Mimi’s best friend. Immediately after the first hello, the couple started to connect and talked for over 2 to 4 hours at a time.
Believe it or not, they fell in love with each other’s soul, mind and spirit over the phone. It was not love at first sight, since they did not even know how each other looked like. Two weeks later, Cris drove down from San Francisco to meet Candy at Mimi’s Café in Modesto.
Afterwards, the couple decided to officially date by attending a church service at Calvary Temple Worship Center. During that service, Candy asked God for a sign if Cris was the one for her. To her surprise, Pastor Glen called out Cris to welcome him in the midst of a crowd of over 500.
The rest is history. Only July 27, 2008, Cris and Candy got married in a private ceremony. They were excited to start a new family. Unfortunately, on September 11, their dream of having a child was not realized.
They successfully overcame this difficult trial with the support and prayers of family and friends. The couple found comfort in Jesus Christ, the Lord of second chances.
On Saturday, April 18, 2009, Candy and Cris had over 200 friends and relatives participate and witness their public wedding vows as they celebrated their love and new life together at the Calvary Temple Worship Center in Modesto, California.
“We need you in our lives just as much as we want to be part of yours,” Cris and Candy declared.
To view more photos, just click this link:
Cris-Candy Canga-Picar Wedding
http://www.flickr.com/photos/monching/sets/72157616985884829/
Danao to supply water for Lapu, Mandaue Cities
March 23, 2009
Are they serious?
Sun.Star Cebu, March 24, 2009.
DANAO City officials and the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) signed yesterday a water supply agreement that will help address the water shortage in the cities of Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu.
Starting next year, the Danao City Government will supply a minimum of 5,000 cubic meters a day at P17 per cubic meter, which is cheaper by P8, Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña said.
The mayor said the deal is advantageous to MCWD, unlike the proposed Car-men bulk water supply agreement.
Franchise area
MCWD board member Joy Augustus Young said the water from Danao City will be diverted to the water supply system in Liloan town, which distributes water to Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu.
“The supply will start sometime next year. It will help solve the water shortage problem in some parts of the franchise area but that will not be enough,” Young said.
Young and Osmeña, the appointing authority in the MCWD, both attended the signing of the memorandum of agreement in Danao City yesterday morning.
In his news conference yesterday, Osmeña said that unlike Ayala’s proposal that MCWD junked in 2007, the Danao City Government is not requiring a substantial minimum off-take purchase.
It can supply as much as 40,000 cubic meters per day, but it will only require MCWD to buy 5,000 cubic meters.
Proposal
The Ayala consortium had proposed to sell water to MCWD at P25 with a minimum daily purchase of 50,000 cubic meters.
“Danao City will charge only P17 per cubic meter while Ayala insisted on P25. It shows you how overpriced the deal is. And the lobby for Ayala water was so strong, including Cabinet members and even the National Economic and Development Authority,” the mayor said.
No politics
Meantime, Jose Thad-deus Roble, chief of staff of Mayor Ramon Durano III, told Sun.Star Cebu that the Duranos’ meeting with Mayor Osmeña yesterday was “purely MCWD consultation and signing of MOA.”
“Nothing is cooking yet,” said Roble when asked whether there was already a building of political alliances during the meeting.
Roble assured he will share whatever political developments in the fifth district, particularly in Danao City. (LCR/GMD)
The “Curious Case” of Richard Seco
January 15, 2009
13-yr old Richard in 2006 with Ben and Anita Jackson
Just recently my wife and I watched the blockbuster movie “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” starring Brad Pitt, who takes on the title role. The story, narrated from Benjamin’s point of view, is about a boy born an old man who must live his life in reverse.
It is certainly an entertaining movie nominated for Best Picture in the Golden Globe Award, and most likely in the Oscars too.
The story of Benjamin quickly reminded me of a patient in the DAUSA Medical Mission which in some way is somewhat similar to Benjamin’s case. Now 15-years old, Richard Seco first came to the Medical Mission in September 1999. He was 5 years old at the time, but looked way too old his age.
Unlike Benjamin who was born old and grew up young, Richard was born normal but contracted a certain kind of disease that made him look old too fast.
Seeing for the first time a rare case of advanced aging, DAUSA volunteers were moved with pity and they gave the ever-smiling Richard some special attention. The young old-looking boy was so pleased of the special treatment given him responded so warmly to the attention. Dr. Anita gave him toys and cash.
Dr. Jackson spent considerable time with the mother and talked about Richard’s “curious case” of advanced aging and how to care for the boy’s skin. She gave the mother enough supply of moisterizing creams to last for months.
The Chief of Medical Mission explained “the aging process of Richard is accelerated; demonstrated by his dry, pigmented desquamating skin especially on his face and stunted height.”
Anita further said, “his skin felt burning when I applied moisterizing cream, but smoothened and felt good with a topical steroid cream (Triamcinolone 0.1% Cream).
Richard and his mother went back to their far flung mountain village of Barangay Cambubho (close to the boundary of the town of Asturias), very happy though nothing much has been done to control the boy’s abnormal aging process.
With the cash gift Dr. Jackson gave Richard, his mother bought him some hens so Richard can raise chickens and earn some money.
During succeeding medical mission, Richara and his mother, never failed to come to the DAUSA Medical Mission to meet Dr. Jackson, at times bringing chicken for the doctor, which the hospital cook made into chicken soup with “kamunggay”.
Last September 2008, Richard showed up again at the Danao Hospital with his mother and a niece, very anxious to meet Dr. Jackson and the medical mission volunteers who became his friends. Unfortunately, they missed the mission due to change of schedule resulting from Bishop’s decision to change the fiesta date. Residents of Barangay Cambubho heard nothing about change of fiesta or the medical mission schedule.
They asked around and found Dr. Jackson at the hme of her regular host, Ricky Mata, on the same day she was flying back to Los Angeles.
Anita related, “he happily dragged me outside the gate to show her his gift – a GOAT! Richard is not only raising chicken but has also gone into goat raising. Richard promised Anita, God willing in next year’s medical mission, he may give his doctor-friend a horse.
Richard will be a young man then, 16 years old, and it is very likely he’ll be looking 76 unless some miracle happens.
The boy is indeed praying for some miracle.
DAUSA Photos Collections Through the Years
December 13, 2008
A vast DAUSA Photo Collection taken through the years are now online, some are “pre-digital era” while some are very recent – recording many DAUSA or Danao City activities. You can view them by clicking the link provided below. Please send some old photos of yesteryears that you may want to share with us.
2017 https://photos.app.goo.gl/I1uRl0VC9GLk6iqj1
2016 https://photos.app.goo.gl/MZm5zy4kbyVdVikT2
2015 https://photos.app.goo.gl/eijS0i7XzWPHwmfu2
2014 https://photos.app.goo.gl/FeA2ajrUjDebw5q83
2013 https://photos.app.goo.gl/AGtbtWdWjSFOBg6N2
2012 https://photos.app.goo.gl/LGryxQIqFxlFSoq83
2011 https://photos.app.goo.gl/0249lNhLiUWLxE073
2000 https://photos.app.goo.gl/nAMm4GVqcIYSM6Z62
1999 https://photos.app.goo.gl/oGWcrIDoCwJNzRAl1
1998 https://photos.app.goo.gl/nTDqG3OQYHfHzwpt1
DAUSA Med Mission Doctor is Research Presentor in Germany
September 27, 2008
The Chuuk State Government thru Gov. Wesley Simina and Lt. Gov. Johnson Elimo together with the FSM National Government under Secretary of Health Dr. Vita Skilling in a collaborative effort has confirmed that it has sent two prominent surgeons in the Western Pacific to the prestigious world conference :EHRLICH II –2nd World Conference on Magic Bullets Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Nobel Prize Award to Paul Ehrlich, Nürnberg, Germany on October 3-5, 2008.
Dr. Julius Caesar “Jojo” Arsenal , a pioneer volunteer of the DAUSA Medical Mission, currently chief surgeon and Dr. Kennedy “Ken” Remit , chief of staff / co-surgeon both based in Chuuk State Hospital were sent to represent the country of FSM wherein they are invited as an oral RESEARCH paper presentor in the said prestigious conference .
The research paper they wrote about slingshot injuries “filippin” to the heart in Chuuk were already presented before an audience in the Pacific Basin Medical Association Conference in 2005 and in Pacific Island Surgical Association in 2006.
Lately this research paper was presented before the officers , men and women of the USNS MERCY Hospital Ship in “Truk Lagoon “ on August 31, 2008 in which both of them were commended for their humanitarian works under extreme working conditions .
There were a total of 4,550 research paper entries around the world that were submitted to the prestigious conference and only 30 research papers around the world that were invited to present including this research paper from Chuuk State Hospital
The letter of invitation by Professor Dr. Fritz Sorgel , the conference chairman mentioned that to present at this prestigious conference will certainly represent the country before a global audience and it will add new information in serving the country’s needs in treating various diseases . Also the conference commemorates the awarding of the Nobel Prize to Dr. Paul Erhlich one of Germany’s foremost researchers .
Little was known in the entire Western Pacific that all these years from 1999 onward today these surgeons at Chuuk State Hospital were performing open –heart surgery for emergency trauma cases despite limited availability of surgical equipments/ facility and poor working hospital conditions . They admit they perform the procedure by heart in order to treat and save lives of Chuukese people as so goes
their motto : Everybody Deserves to Live “ . All of them were admitted at the Surgical Intensive Care Unit in the Surgical Ward of the said Hospital a fter surgery , the first SICU / critical care unit in the FSM that has been existent for the past 8 years now that save a lot of lives.
30 Major Surgeries in 3 Days at the DAUSA Medical Mission
September 24, 2008
The annual DAUSA Medical Mission in Danao City jointly sponsored by Danao Association USA, Inc., the City Government of Danao City and the Philippine College of Surgeons ended Thursday, September 18, 2008, with a record breaking performance by surgeon volunteers from Cebu Doctors Hospital, led by Dr. Lito Almendras, who successfuly performed 30 major surgical procedures in 3 days.
Three U.S. based surgeons, Drs. Julian Banzon, Florentino Lleva and Lorenz Alaan, Danao Hospital Chief Dr. Indino and Dr. Melba Arribas from Manila jointly performed around 150 minor surgical procedures, such as cyst removal, etc., performing the procedures at a corner of the hospital building, under a very hot and humid condition.
For the first time consultations and medicine dispensing which used to be done right at the Danao District Hospital compound, had been moved to the newly renovated and air-conditioned Danao City Civic Center.
The move was hailed by medical volunteers, patients as well as by hosptial staff as it lessened the crowd at the hospital. Only patients scheduled for minor and major surgeries were entertained at the hospital and all the rest were comfortably seated, waiting their turn at the air-conditioned Civic Center.
As usual over 2000 indigent Danawanons were seen by doctor volunteers at the Civic Center, received their needed medications and some multi-vitamins that were contributed by well-meaning DAUSA members and supporters.
Aside from medicines and medical supples provided by DAUSA’s regular donors, IMA World Health of New Windsor, Maryland and Americares of Stamford, Connecticut, the City Government of Danao through the City Health Office also provided several boxes of medicines to meet the needs of people seeking help during the 3-day medical mission. IMA has been assisting the DAUSA Medical Mission since 1999, and Americares since 2002.
The Free Dental Clinic with a 6-seater Mobile Dental Van provided by the City of Cebu was also moved outside the Civic Center and listed over 300 people getting dentral extractions, free tootpaste and medicines.
Around 20 DAUSA Members and officers led by Dr. Anita Cal-Jackson actively did their share in making DAUSA’s commitment to help the city’s poor get the medical assistance they badly need a huge success.
The DAUSA Medical Mission has always been a big success, since it started in 1998, has become an institution and eagely awaited by many people who cannot afford to go to Cebu City for treatment, especially those needing surgical interventions.
On Friday evening, September 19, 2008, the City Government of Danao led by Mayor Ramon Durano III and other city officials tendered dinner and entertained all medical mission volunteers, Balik Danao people, and distributed certificates of recognitions to all participants. (Monching)
The 2008 Karansa sa Danao
September 4, 2008
Please Reconsider Changing the Date of the Danao City Fiesta, at least, NOT this year
July 5, 2008
AN OPEN LETTER TO NORTHERN CEBU AUXILIARY BISHOP EMILIO BATACLAN
July 4, 2008
Msgr. Emilio Bataclan
Auxiliary Bishop for Northern Cebu
Danao City, Cebu
Dear Msgr. Bataclan,
I am writing on behalf of myself and for several Danawanon friends and relatives who like me were disappointed to learn, too late, you have decreed changing the date of our fiesta from the traditional 3rd Monday to 3rd Sunday of September, thus making this year’s fiesta celebration dates to September 21-22. If tradition is followed it should have been September 14 – 15, being the 2nd Sunday and 3rd Monday.
There is no problem with us if changing fiesta dates is really necessary, regardless a week before or after from the date it used to be. However, we feel there should have been reasonable time for information to reach far and wide before a change of date of an important event, such as a town fiesta, can be made. There are many of us extracted from our homeland, trying to make a living in places oceans apart. Despite the distance we still consider ourselves parishioners of our home parish and have faithfully remained or perhaps even more devoted to our patron saint.
Regardless of status in life – professionals, seamen or OFWs – Danawanons do make an effort to set aside from what little we earned, so we can visit our hometown and see our families after several months or years away from home. And there is no better time to visit than during a fiesta when friends and relatives show up to get reconnected and reminisce the good years together.
Here in California or perhaps anywhere in the U.S, employers require employees to apply, at the beginning of the year, specific dates of a planned long vacation within the current year. Generally, U.S. employees enjoy 2 or 3 weeks paid vacation leaves for each year of service. For us Danawanons we use this yearly vacation privilege to visit our hometown, usually in the month of September. On my part I had filed and had my vacation leave approved for September 8 through September 22. I cannot change that unless someone dies in the family.
Further, scheduled to visit Danao City Fiesta 2008 are 20 Danawanons, from Southern California alone, who have booked and paid non-refundable round-trip tickets as early as June, with departure date on September 8 and a return flight on September 21st or on the 22nd. Then the other day we learned the fiesta date has changed on order of the Auxiliary Bishop.
During the past 11 years this same group had sponsored an annual medical-surgical mission at the Danao General Hospital, scheduled 2 days after the city fiesta. For the 2008 Medical Mission we scheduled it on Sept. 16 -18. Many U.S. based volunteers join the mission, for two reasons, to attend the fiesta and also give something to the community they left behind through their professional services and/or financial support. Although the medical mission can still go on schedule, yet a number of our volunteers would be deprived from attending the fiesta, because their scheduled return is on Sept. 20 or 21.
We are now earnestly appealing and hoping you reconsider your decision and have the 2008 Santo Tomas Fiesta date in Danao City, stay as per tradition, on the 2nd Sunday and 3rd Monday of September i.e. Sept. 14 -15, 2008. Then on the following year you may go ahead and implement the dates you want. And we will be guided accordingly. .
Thank you. May God bless you and the rest of your flocks in this part of Cebu.
Faithfully yours in Christ,
Ramon H. Barriga
8211 Winnetka Ave.
Winnetka, CA 912306
2008 1st Novena: KNOW YOUR FRIENDLY HOST IN CARSON
June 29, 2008
KNOW YOUR HOST: GUILLY & BEBE ROBLE
1st Novena: Sponsored by Guilly and Bebe Roble
1807 East 218th Street
Carson, CA 90715
Tel. 310-385-8045 (Home)
310-518-6273 (Bahay Kainan)
Sunday, July 6 at 11:00 a.m.
Si Guilly Roble, ang nailhang batang buotan sa Suba, milangyaw aron manimpalad sa Davao human natapos ang pagtuon sa UV pagka accountant. Ulitawo si Guilly sa iyang pag-panimpalad sa Davao, ug daghang mga babaye nangindahay nga ilang maankon ang utukan ug kugihan nga batan-ong lumad sa Danao. Apan wala pa-balda ang ulitawo sa mga tukso sa iyang palibot.
Wala molungtad ug dugay si Guilly sa Davao. Niadtong panahona, tungod sa mga kagubot, walay maayong kahigayonan para sa mga batan-ong profesyonal ang Mindanao. Busa mibiya siya sa Davao, dayon larga padulong sa Manila. May mga taga Danao usab didto nga mitabang sa iyang pagpuyo ug naghatag kahigayonan aron siya mahimutang. Didto gikahibalag ni Guilly ug gipangasawa ang usa ka talagsaong Manilena, diin nakita sa ulitawo ang tanang hiyas sa babaye nga maoy tugon sa iyang inahan, buotan, kugihan ug may kaanyag. (Naa sa hulagway si Bebe, ang mahal nga kapikas ni Guilly, ug ang ilang duha ka anak dala ang rebolto sa Patron, Santo Tomas.)
Maayo ang dagan sa panginabuhi sa mga bag-ong magtiayon. Milambo ang ilang gamay nga negosyo ug nag trabaho usab si Guilly isip accountant sa usa ka dakong patigayon. Apan dili pa gyod hingpit ang ilang kinabuhi sa Manila, busa naningkamot nga maka-ari sila sa Amerika, pamasin dinhi ilang makab-ot ang ilang mga pangandoy.
Inubanan sa mga pag-ampo, natagaan sila ug visa, ug dayon larga uban ang usa ka anak diri sa Los Angeles niadtong miaging siyam ka tuig nga milabay. (Ang ika-duhang anak, made in U.S.A.)
A New Merylou is Back Home With Family
May 12, 2008
Merylou whose disfigured face made her unable to stay in school for long, underwent a series of cranio-facial surgery at the Children Hospital Los Angeles under the auspices of Mending Kids International, is back home to her family in Juan Luna, Danao City, arriving May 9, 2008.
A team of doctors of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, led by Dr. Mark Urata, seemed to have done some kind of surgical magic with Merylou’s amazing transformation.
She arrived in Los Angeles on May 27, 2007 with help from PAL Foundation, Inc. (for plane tickets) and some well meaning Danawanons who chipped in to pay for his visa fees and local transpo expenses.
Monching and Mariam Barriga hosted her stay in the U.S. for nearly a year, and taking her to numerous medical appointments. DAUSA Vice Presidnet Marieta Palos, who cared another Danao kid, Keith Montesu’s during his confinement for an open-heart surgery, also kept watch on Merylou at the Children’s Hospital relieving Mariam when unable.
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