Meeting James Worthy

We were invited to the opening of Circuit City Foothill branch, and because the invites stated that James Worthy was their guest, we made every effort to be present so we can meet one of our favorite LA Lakers stars – J.W.

James Worthy was a shooter during the time of Earvin “Magic” Johnson. He was Magic’s alter ego. And the time they were together, winning was an easy job for them. He retired from the Lakers when Magic was ill; but made himself very visible when the Lakers played at the Staples Center. At this Circuit opening, James signed his name on 200 basketballs bought by fans at the Foothill outlet. At present, James takes charge of Andrew Bynum who has improved his shooting tremendously.

When Lina Rama Antig learned of our presence in LA, she immediately called our cousin Loly Casas to contact this writer. And invited us to lunch at an uptown resto along Wilshire. Choosing a Greek restaurant, we opted to have their salad (known to be the best in the area) and soup instead of their set menu. The Greek salad was truly good and a lunch itself for us as the restaurant serves one order generously.

Lina Rama is married to Joe Antig and manages her own business – the Advanced Care Services. This is an agency where most Filipinas come to her for job placements, especially nurses from the Philippines. Lina, who is a nurse, hails from Poro, Camotes and in fact, was president of the Union Porohana USA for two consecutive terms. Her office is located at 3435 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 945, Los Angeles, CA 90010, USA.

The “Ang Dumanjuganons” Fiesta. Every year, former residents of Dumajug, Cebu who are now residing in the United States and Canada would come to California to celebrate the feast of their patron saint, St. Francis of Assisi. This date, October 6 is actually the same date Dumanjug celebrates their fiesta in Cebu.

So last October 6, after nine days novena to St. Francis of Assisi (hosted by nine different families) was completed, a concelebrated Mass officiated  by Fr. Henry Hernando and Msgr. Alfeo Manalili held at the St. Gerald Majella Catholic Church Social Hall in Inglewood Blvd., Los Angeles, C.A. Right after the Mass, (since the hall is large enough to accommodate 200 people), three long tables were placed at the hall filled with Filipino food. Three lechons were donated by Esther Madarang, Dr. Cheche Ando Pascual and the Intud family.

Surprisingly, we met our dear friends Esther Lucero Madarang who now lives in Sun Valley with another friend Pax Vancil who used to own that parlor along Jones Avenue whose hairstylist was Gigi. Another person we met was our colleague in Rotary Club of Cebu South, Pocholo Streegan who informed us that Dandy and Minda Gonzales also of RCCS are now living in California. Not to mention Billy and Ellen Tan who are in Seattle, WA.

Anyway, the Dumanjuganons have now 200 strong members, not to mention the children and grandchildren. Their president is Resfina Torrevillas of San Diego, CA.