HELP Find Relatives of Grandma Lucia R. Cadiz Chen

Her Story

On May 4, a Taiwanese TV news featured a story about very sick 74 year old elderly Filipina named LUCIA R. CADIZ CHEN (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozTprAgz42Q).  She has  terminal breast cancer, and ovarian cancer as well.

We are calling on the relatives of Grandma Lucia. Please coordinate with Mr. Carlito Marquez of the Manila Economic Cultural Office  (MECO, Manila). Or Ms. Gina Lin of MECO, Taipei.

Some names of relatives found in her personal belongings include: AMANDA R. CADIZ, PACENCIA R. CADIZ and CRISTY R. CADIZ. However, we are not able to identify them from the photos found in her possession.

MECO, Manila

7F Trafalgar Plaza

105 H.V. de la Cost St, Salcedo Village, Makati City 1200, Philippines

Phone: 848-3796 to 97

Fax: 848-3799

Contact Person: Carlito Marquez

MECO, Taipei

Contact Person: Ms. Gina Lin

Phone: 0911572032

File Photo of the Young Lucia R. Cadiz Chen

Personal Background

Grandma Lucia was born on Mar 2, 1940 at Garcia Hernandez Bohol. She was 42 years old when she married Mr. CHEN, JIN YEN, a Taiwanese. Grandma Lucia has been living in Taiwan for the past 30 years. However, she never applied for Taiwanese citizenship. Her husband, CHEN JIN YEN passed away 7 years ago.

Lucia R. Cadiz and Chen Jin Yen Nuptial in Taiwan

Copy of Grandma Lucia's Cancelled Passports. Inspite of her being married to a
Taiwanese National, Grandma Lucia never applied for Taiwanese Citizenship

Alone in Taiwan – No known relatives nor friends

Grandma Lucia lives alone in her house. She has no source of income for the past years. At one point, her water supply was cut off  for none payment of her water bills.

Her husband left her with some money, as shown from the bank book found in her house by social workers. There was a considerable withdrawal in 2011. They are trying to investigate, who made the withdrawal.

In addition, they also tried to check the ownership of the condo unit, where she lives. It is assumed that it’s their conjugal property.  Unfortunately, her name is not listed on the title.

When asked whether or not she wants to go back to the Philippines, Grandma Lucia always replies that she wants to stay in Taiwan, and that Taiwan is now her home. In addition, she says that she doesn’t want to burden her relatives in the Philippines.

  

Let’s HELP MECO

There are no known relatives or friends of Grandma Lucia in Taiwan. MECO has to find ways to find her next of kin, in the Philippines, in order to properly decide how to dispose of her belongings; and more importantly, how to handle her remains,  if she doesn’t survive her illness.

MECO has already coordinated with the Office of the Mayor of Garcia Hernandez, Bohol to find the relatives of Grandma Lucia. They are trying to check possible leads from the addresses on the letters found in her possession. But no luck yet. We hope the good Mayor of Garcia Hernandez, Bohol can help expedite things.

Should Grandma Lucia’s immediate family member or relative be found, MECO can shoulder the relative’s plane fare to Taiwan. Otherwise, if the relative is not willing, or not able to go to Taiwan, the relative can simply execute a Special Power of Attorney for MECO, Taipei to instruct them on the above issues.

Recognize Anybody from these Photographs?

If you happen to recognize anyone or anything from these photographs, kindly give Mr. Carlito Marquez of MECO, Manila a call. Any information that can lead us to the relatives of Grandma Lucia will be greatly appreciated.

Do you know the letter writer "Amanda R. Cadiz"?

How about  "Cristy R. Cadiz" of Muntinlupa?
Or perhaps "Paciencia R. Cadiz" of Bo. Tanyag?

Please share this message. Thank you. 

------------

QV Speaks

I used to serve as Pastoral Assistant for Migrants, and as the Secretary of Bishop Liu Hsien Tang at the Hsinchu Diocese, Taiwan, R.O.C. 

I recently received a message from a colleague (Ms. Gina Lin of MECO, Taipei),  asking if I remember or if I know a certain LUCIA R. CADIZ-CHEN, who used to attend masses at one of the Catholic churches within the Diocese.

In this regard, I’ve volunteered to help find the relatives of Grandma Lucia by posting Ms. Lin’s message and attachment photos online.

Moon Festival Dice Game Fever

Filipino Chinese Community Mid-Autumn Festival Celebration

For 2013, the Mid-Autumn  or Moon Festival falls of Sept 19.

Every year, we get a lot of invitations from various acquaintances of my husband’s family, to join the Moon Festival Celebration. It’s a chance to get together with friends from former school, club, family association or even their exercise group. For this year, the invitations came from the following:

• Jin Nan Alumni – this is the Elementary Alma Matter of the husband. The event is well attended by many generations of Elementary school graduates from Jin Nan. Current teachers and even the retired ones are also invited to the occasion

• Lion’s Club – this is one of the regular yearly celebrations of the Manila Continental Lion’s Club, where my father-in-law is an active member. My pa-in-law, Lion Joe (i.e., every member of the club is called a Lion), simply loves to prepare for this event

Lucky Mama  showing off winnings from the
Gona Association Moon Festival Festivities

• Gona Association – my husband’s ancestral roots came from the province of Fookien, China. The Moon Festival Celebration is also a yearly activity for their association. Members take this opportunity to gather several generations of people, who belong to the clan

• Sakya Exercise Club – since my ma-in-law’s retirement from teaching, she joined the Sakya Exercise Club. She leaves the house early in the morning on certain days for her morning exercises. The group consists mostly of  Filipino Chinese elderlies, who like her are mostly retired or are housewives and grannies. No one can out beat these fitness ladies from enjoying the Moon Festival

• Karaoke Club – my ma-in-law loves to sing. On certain nights of the week, she joins friends to a night of songs. Again, these song birds simply won’t pass up the chance to test their luck on the dice game

The program for each celebration varies from group-to-group. There are speeches from various officers of the club, awardings or recognitions for achievements for members of the clan or school alumni, a feast of sumptuous food, karaoke singing, and the highlight of the event is the Moon Festival Dice game.

Depending on the time of preparations and amount of budget for the festivities, prizes may range from grocery items, house or kitchenwares, gadgets, toiletries and cash. As the event ends, participants leave the event place with full bellies and smiles on their faces. Fun, fun, fun is the name of the game.

How to Play the Moon Festival Dice Game

Just throw the dice and win a prize!!!

Just throw the dice and get a prize! The objective of the game is to get as much prize as you can by throwing the dice according to specified number combinations.

The Moon Festival Dice game is also called “Bo Bing” in Xiamen, Ningde, Kinmen and other areas in Southern Fujien and Taiwan. It traces its origin during the time of General Zheng Chenggong. The game was created to keep his troops occupied during the mid-autumn festival, and while waiting to re-take Taiwan from foreign occupation.

To this day, although, widely played in different Chinese communities, the rules of the game are never completely unified.

Things you need:

• Six (6) dice
• Porcelain bowl with wide mouth. Porcelain is preferred because the dice bounce better when thrown
• A table – a round table, if available is always the best choice. Although  a square or rectangular one may also be used
• Sets of prizes for each number combination.  For suggested quantities of prizes to prepare for each dice combination, refer to Table 1: Prize Guide for Each Dice Combination

Procedure:

1. If you have a big group, divided the number of players according to the number of sets of prizes that you have prepared.

2. Draw lots among the players  to determine the sequence for throwing the dice. Arrange the players around the table sequencially. Player No. 1 gets to throw the dice first. Followed by play No. 2 and so on.
3. Arrange the prizes according to Dice Combination. Make sure that they are within the reach of each player.
   
   
   
   Table 1: Prize Guide for Each Dice Combination

   Prize Category	Name of Dice Combination	Number of Prizes  to Prepare
   1st	Chong-wan (Major Prize)	1
   2nd	Twi-teng	2
   3rd	Sam-hong	4
   4th	Si-jin	8
   5th	Di-hong	16
   6th	It-siu	32

   
   
4. Begin the game by placing the porcelain bowl on the table, and allowing player No. 1 to throw the dice into the bowl.
5. Important: Make sure all the dice fall into the bowl, otherwise, that player loses the turn for that round.
6. Check the dice combination that results from the throw, and give the player the corresponding prize. See Table 2 for details.
   
   
   Table 2: Identifying Prizes for Each Dice Combination

   Prize Category	Name of Dice Combination	Dice Combination
   1st	Chong-wan (Major Prize)	Four 4s, or Five of any number
   2nd	Twi-teng	1,2,3,4,5,6; or 3 of any number and 3 of another number
   3rd	Sam-hong	Three 4s and other assorted numbers
   4th	Si-jin	Four of the same number, except 4
   5th	Di-hong	Two 4s and other assorted numbers
   6th	It-siu	One 4 and other assorted numbers

7. Pass the bowl to the next player, and repeat step 4, until all the prizes are won. This can take several rounds.
8. The player, who wins the first prize, also gets to keep the dice used during the game for luck.

To seal ones luck, the winner or Chong-wan,
also gets to keep the set of dice used during the game

Moon Festival Dice Combinations by Queen Victoria736

About the Moon Festival

The mid-autumn festival is a Chinese celebration that dates back to 3000 years ago. During the Zhou Dynasty they celebrated the mid-autumn festival to worship the moon. Moon worship or Xi Yue was a common practice during the Han and Shang Dynasties. The practice of celebrating the mid-autumn festival became prevalent during the Tang Dynasty. However, it was during the Song Dynasty that people started making round moon cakes as gifts and expression of good wishes for their relatives during family reunions.

The mid-autumn festival falls on the 15^th day of the 8^th month of the lunar calendar. This is usually around -mid or -late September in the Gregorian calendar. During this time of the year, the moon is at its fullest and brightest, symbolizing an abundant summer harvest. The main food for this festival is the mooncake, which comes in many varieties.

For the Chinese farmers, the mid-autumn festival is a celebration of the end of the summer harvest season.  This is akin to the Thanksgiving celebration of the west. Family members and friends gather to admire the beauty of the moon, while having barbecue and eating moon cakes and pommelos. Special customs, such as lighting of lanterns, burning of incense, dancing lions, are also practiced  in different parts of the country.

Moon Festival Legends and Myths

 Legends say that during a full moon, watch out for the image of a lovely girl and a rabbit.

Moon  goddess Chang'e.
Grabbed from Wikipedia:
Mid-Autumn Festival

There are many myths and legends that surround the Moon Festival. They are stories of lost love, immortality, sacrifices and even politics.

The most famous legend is about the story of a beautiful maiden, named Chang’e and her husband, a brave archer, named Hou Yi. It is said that Hou Yi was awarded by an immortal an elixir of immortality for saving the earth. It is said that once upon a time, there were ten suns burning fiercely in the sky. This caused a terrible drought, loss of plant life and drying of the rivers. Hou Yi took his arrows and shot down nine suns, leaving one sun to provide light for the earth.  This immediately cooled the earth. Rains poured and filled the rivers. There was enough water to nourish the plants. The earth was saved!

The legend varies from this point. In one version, it is said that Hou Yi didn’t want to leave Chang’e, so he asked her to keep the elixir. On the 15^th of the 8^th month of the lunar calendar, an evil man named Feng Meng, tried to steal the elixir from Chang’e, while Hou Yi was away hunting. Chang’e refused to give it to him, so she drank them all instead and immediately flew into the sky. But because of Chang’e loved her husband, she decide to stay on the moon, where her husband can see her. When Hou Yi learned about this, he was saddened. From that day on he offered cakes and fruits that Chang’e liked, while in his yard. Other people sympathized with him and followed what he was doing.

Another legend is about an arrogant and lazy man named Wu Kang, who wanted to have immortality and live on the moon. His immortal mentor granted his wish to live on the moon. While there he realized that he wanted to live on earth. His immortal mentor tricked him by asking him to chop a cassia tree before he can go back to earth. Lazy as he is, after being close to chopping down the tree, he’d stop and rest. While he rests, the tree magical grows. Thus, his chopping the tree became an never ending process.

The last legend is about an old man, who was accompanied by a rabbit, a fox and a monkey. Famine struck, so the three decided to find food so that the old man can survive. The monkey picked up some dried fruits. The fox didn’t find food, but found wood for fire. The rabbit on the other hand came back empty handed. Overcome with guilt to see the old man dying, he announced to his companions that he’ll make a sacrifice to feed them. He then plunged into the fire. The gods were touched by his sacrifice and decided to reward him by making the moon his eternal home as the Jade Rabbit.

Yummy moon cakes are the celebratory food
during the Moon Festival

There is a myth attached to the mooncake too. During the Yang Dynasty, the Han Chinese wanted to revolt against the Mongols. They place messages inside the mooncake to announce the revolt of the 15^th day of the 8^th lunar month.

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mid-Autumn_Festival

http://wacany.org/wacany/wp-content/flyers/2010MoonFestivalFlyerDiceEng.pdf

http://www.chinatravel.com/focus/mid-autumn-festival/

Binondo Nostalgia

I found these pictures during my Divisoria walk. 

The City Place Mall presented a short history of Binondo. 

It showed pictures of the the Quintin Paredes area taken from the Jones Bridge. 

The photos dated back to 1920s and 1960s.

Feel free to compare my 2011 photo with the oldies.

Quintin Paredes 1920s

Quintin Paredes 1960s

Quintin Paredes 2011

Divisoria Facelift

I remember Baby, a colleague from Polymer Chemicals, a company where I used to work. Baby is a member of the Dating Daan religious group.
 

There was a time that they had foreign visitors from their church, who wanted to go shopping for bargains.
 

Together with some church-mates, they escorted their visitors to Divisoria. Whoa! Although they got the bargains that they wanted, it wasn’t exactly a great shopping experience.

There were literally seas of people shopping,. Thus, it was quite difficult to walk, especially if you’re traveling with a group.

Plus, there was the wet and a bit muddy street – as if you’re in a wet market shopping for fish.

And not to mention, the danger of pick pockets.
 

She swore not to bring visitors for shopping to Divisoria again. That was during the 80’s.
 

Nowadays, Divisoria has a new image. One that people like Baby will surely like. There is the Divisoria Mall, Tutuban Mall, 168, Meseic Mall, 999 and recently City Place. 

The Aug 2011 issue of the Entrepreneur magazine carries another special issue about Divisoria. It also comes with a Pocket Guide to Divisoria that has a list of various suppliers.

The numbers 1-6-8 and triple 9s are lucky numbers for the chinese.

Here's a view of the 168 and the 999 malls. The 168 Mall was built first and people went gaga over it because of good bargains they got.

Not far from 168 is the City Place, the newest Mall at the Divisoria Area.
It provides commercial spaces and residential condos as well

Whoa! I didn't realize that there is a 698

Inside 999. For those who are interested, there are still stalls available.

More of the 999 Mall. Thereis even a SOGO inside

More interesting finds -- LEDs on your shirt. How about dancing lights on your shirt?
Help yourself to many designs

More finds at the 999 Mall. Going to a party? Getting married, anyone?

Need toys?  With the -BER months ahead of us, 
moms and dads are always scouting for toys

Remote Controlled Helicopter. Who ever said that only kids play

WOW, more toys for the big and small boys

Interesting find at 999 -- Bladeless fan. Price is written on the flying paper.
I recently saw a similar fan at SM Manila, and at an SMX Exhibit.

Food court for the hungry shopper

Move over 168 and 999. 

Let's take a look at the City Place

When you enter the City Place Mall, you are welcomed  by a brief history of Binondo

The rickshaw exhibit reminds shopper’s that they are in Chinatown

Human Maniquin -- for a few cents placed in his can, he'll move for you

Add caption

This mall is a part of the Mega World plan, which combines a chinese inspired shopping and residential complex

Entertainment at the mall. Tired of walking or simply window shopping, this band offers good music

The Postal Museum and Philatelic Library

Entrance to the Museum

During my last trip to the Post Office, I spoke with Ms. Perla B. Goco of the Stamp & Philatelic Division.

Philately is the art of stamp collecting. It comes from the Greek words Philos, meaning friends, and Atelei meaning exempt from charge.

Through commemorative stamps one learns about the country’s history, art, culture and industry.

For example, commemorative stamps were printed to remember the oath taking of President Nonoy and Vice President Binay. There were also stamps printed commemorate Rizal’s 150^th birthday.

Ms. Goco is also an avid stamp collector. She said that as a stamp collector, she has always longed to join exhibits where she’d be able to display her collections.

She also advises newbie stamp collectors to join the Philatelic club, where one can learn the basics of stamp collection. She added that by learning more about Philatelics, one’s stamp collection can have a better direction.

Interested in joining the Philatelic Club?

Please call Mrs. Josefina T. Cura @ 735-5001

Mondays – Saturdays

1pm – 5pm

Club Activities

• Regular monthly meetings, lectures and auctions on  3^rd Sunday of the month at the Postal Library and Museum from 1pm to 5pm
• Joins and organizes philatelic exhitbitons whenever necessary on a yearly basis
• Stamp donations to affiliate organizations, museums, schools and to beginners
• Free monthly Postal Heritage Walking Tour
• Maintains a website to update members on current happenings and linkages to other philatelic societies and organizations
• Conducts study groups in research and development of basic skill in preparation to mount exhibits for competitions

Annual Membership dues:

Php 225 – I.D.s issued to regular members

Php 75 – students with valid school IDs

Link

www.philpost.gov.ph   (Philippine Postal Corporation)

The Postal Museum and Philatelic Library is located within the Post Office compound. I will give you  short tour of what I saw.

Philatelic

One Day at the Post Office

I had to make a quick trip to the Post Office to claim a registered mail. Everytime I visit the place, I pass by the e-Post Shop or the Philatelic Division  to buy stamps. I’m a newbie philatelic. My interest in it is quite accidental.

In 2006, the apartment where we used to live caught fire, due to a neighbor’s electric fan that overheated. We were miraculously spared from the fire, but not spared from the smoke and water damage. For short, we had to move out and find another place to live. Among my father in law’s rubles was a collection of stamps, which I saved and decided to keep for myself. He has forgotten all about them anyway.

I used to do volunteer works at the Archdiocese of Manila. My priest boss, the late Fr. Gabriel Casal, requested me to find stamp albums, where he could  keep and organize his stamp collections. I suddenly remembered the stamps that I saved from the fire and decided to get a stamp album for myself.

And that my friends started my interest in collecting stamps. Stamps remind me of my high school teacher -- Ms. Bartolome. She was an avid collector, who’d often asked for stamps before starting our class, “Any stamps girls?” One gets a “Thank you” and “Very good remark” for a stamp.

 Beyond the Pasig river view of the Post Office. I took this photo while standing at the Jones  Bridge.

Viewed from the Jones Bridge is the Escolta Ferry Station. Sigh! I miss my ferry boat rides.  They stopped operation this year.

 

The Jones bridge. I often take leisurely walks along this bridge to enjoy the view. 

View at the left side of the bridge is equally interesting.

Taken from the steps at the entrance of the Post Office. 

The fountain area is a favorite venue for prenuptial pictorials of couples about to tie the knot.

I had to get my mail from the same window where that man is standing.

These writing tables must be older than you and me.

The Post Office Lobby – Oh there are people after all!

The e-Post shop, where mailing boxes of various sizes, stamps, greeting cards, and some grocery items are sold.

An unusual find. Nope, these are not unclaimed postal notices. 

They are pledges of students about saving the environment.

A view of Post Office frontage. 

If Samson were alive, he’d be in a frenzy choosing which pillar to topple. 

Or has the internet eaten away through these pillars?

Hidden behind the pillars is a taho vendor. The view is especially enjoyable with a glass of taho, which costs Php 20.

At the left is a blurred photo of fire trucks -- fire fighters to the rescue. We chanced upon a fire at the Post Office area one evening. Alas, the Phil Post Regional Office Bldg was on fire. To the right is a view of what is left of the building days after the disaster.

Back door view of the Post Office. 

The Philatelic Museum and Library is just across.

I'll give you a tour for the museum in my next post.