Inspiration for troubled times

Welcome to the month of October, the second of the “-ber” months of the year, just two months away from the Christmas month of December. In previous years, I remember Christmas was already anticipated as early as September with Christmas songs, displays and sales. But with so many significant happenings in September this year, they have held off until this month of October.

At our Zonta Club of Cebu I general membership meeting last Sept. 26th, our president, Lucille Colina, reported on the annual District 17 Convention of Zonta Clubs held this year in Hong Kong last Sept. 13 to 15. It was mainly in recognition of Zonta’s outstanding accomplishments for women and children protection and development by Zonta Club women. President Lucille proudly showed off, as among the District Governor’s Awards for the Biennium, “Most Out-standing Zonta Award 1st Place”, to Zonta I Cebu, in recognition of our outstanding achievement in Zonta and District 17’s theme, “We care, we contribute, we mentor”. It was signed by district governor Winnie Teoh and awards committee chair Kathleen Yip.

Then, fellow Zontian I Area 3 director Anita Sanchez also showed off our “Most Outstanding Zonta Difference Award 3rd Place, to Area 3”, in recognition of outstanding achievements, thus demonstrating our commitment to Zonta and District 17’s theme, and in “advancing the status of women worldwide through service and advocacy.” Zonta I Founder, Dr.Suga Sotto-Yuvienco, now wheelchair-bound, but continuing to attend most of our gatherings, proudly and happily sat by.

The following day, Friday, Sept. 27th, this Bystander attended the 2nd death anniversary observance of Engineer Eduardo Go Ching Hai (“Ching Hai” to family and friends) held by his widowed wife Beling (Martina) and their family at the Capiz Ballroom of the Cebu Country Club in Banilad.

Fr. Ernesto Javier, S.J., officiated at the Holy Mass. In his homily, Fr. Javier paid tribute to Ching Hai’s life, first in remembrance of the good times, the laughter and the joys he shared with family and friends. Second in thanksgiving: for the happiness he gifted the lives of those he loved, lived and worked with, to a change for the good. And third, in the legacy he left for us in “Good things in the sands of time,” the generosity he stood for, with the good things he shared, which rightfully should be shared. This legacy imposes a response from us for healing wounds and for us to move on.

During the dinner that followed for the guests that filled the ballroom, we viewed a filmshowing of his life, his various accomplishments in his fruitful time with us. Having known him through Beling and his successful children, I was struck by the fact that as a successful businessman, he had had the rare gift of creativity as seen in the products he originated and his company produced for the betterment of the lives of others. Thank you, Ching Hai, and may God rest you in His peace!

Speaking of inspired creativity, last Sunday, Sept. 29th, I was privileged to attend the poetry reading and book launching marking the 22nd anniversary of the Women in Literary Arts-Cebu Inc. (Wila) at Cebu Harold’s Hotel.

It has been some time ago since I remember attending one of the Wila literary gatherings, meeting Cebu women writers I know whose works I read and appreciate. The theme of Sunday’s poetry readings was “Tipping Point,” which provided the setting of the launch of the latest book, a collection of poetry written by a friend, an admirable public servant unscathed by the current PDAF or “pork barrel” scam, a writer of the Sunday essay in Cebu Daily News, Simeon Dumdum Jr. His latest work is contained in a slim volume titled, “To the Evening Star.”

It was an inspiring occasion listening to poetry readings by familiar, and now younger writers, with intermissions of music and song, leading to the launching of “To the Evening Star.” There were readings from it climaxed by one done by Milagros Dumdum, the poet’s inspiration and wife, and the brief response of Simeon.

The WILA Renewal of Commitment was followed by the induction of officers by Cebu Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale, and a toast from the poet himself, Simeon Dumdum, Jr.

The much-awarded poet is a judge of the Regional Trial Court of Cebu City, and is an honorary member of Wila. CDN’s Sept. 29 issue traced the 22-year history of WILA, its accomplishments and current activities.

I was happy to meet again WILA founder and friend, Erma Cuizon, Annabelle Tan-Amor and Bobby Amor, and Erlinda Kintanar-Alburo, among many others. Thank you, WILA for an inspiring evening in these troubled and troubling times.

Reports on the current “troubling times” should hold for next week. Until then, as always, may God continue to bless us, one and all!