Balikbayans Galore!

Early January, Cebuanos who are residents of the US and other countries would come home to attend and celebrate the fiesta of Senor Santo Nino and more often than not, spend time with their family and friends.

Our dear friends from Sterling, Michigan, Ted and Flammie Alo were here visiting Cebu again after two years of missing the revelry. Upon arrival, former Mayor Alvin Garcia and wife Ninette hosted a dinner party at their beautiful home along Gorordo Avenue. OF course, Ted’s friends from way back were all there. Another dinner was given by Julius and Nelia Neri at their well-appointed home in Bauhinia Drive. After two weeks in Cebu and Manila, Ted and Flammie left for Las Vegas, (their second home) passing by Orange County in California where daughter Malou is, before flying back to Michigan.

An E.R. nurse at Cedars Sinai in Los Angeles, CA., Jerry S. Locaylocay also came home for the first time to watch the Sinulog grand parade and the Miss Cebu. Jerry was very much impressed with the gowns paraded during the selection of Miss Cebu. Jerry, aside from being a nurse, is also a designer having been a graduate of a fashion designing course in Los Angeles School of Fashion where the famous international designer Monique Lhuillier also finished a designing course. Every time the E.R. TV show had shooting at Cedars, Jerry would be the first to watch, especially if the star, George Clooney, was there.

A couple from New York, doctors Becky and Coling Tse were also in Cebu and guests of Meren Gepilano. In fact, they went with Gov. Gwen Garcia’s Suroy Suroy in the south. Then a dinner dancing affair was hosted by Dr. Tess Boynlon for them. In that dinner, Dr. Dody Velez was also present. Dody now lives in Burbank, California.

Other balikbayans include Dr. Nilo Zosa and wife Nena and Dr. Warren Gabrillo and wife Lally, who were on a medical mission in Cebu. For Dr. Gabrillo, it was his first time to stay in Cebu after they left the country years ago.

Last week, Mila Tamayo and son Ed were in Cebu too, visiting relatives and friends after husband Joe passed away last year. Her former friends from the Rotary Club of Cebu South treated her to a hearty lunch at The Terraces. A long tete-a-tete ensued.

Our grandson Fred Mark Ynclino and wife Mylene had their first child baptized at the St. Joseph Church in Mandaue City. Fr. Gerali officiated the rites with the young sponsors in attendance: Charo Gabutin, Gemma Macalusi, Troni Menguito, Angelo Manuel Alburo, Mark Anthony Bao, Daniella Aballe, Clarisse Atienza, Ian and Flem Licayan. The child’s name is Scion Marcus…our great grandson!

And speaking of apo, another one, Francis Luke Ynclino, was one of those who passed the board examinations for nurses last November 2008. Ukie is now preparing to take the NCLEX, God willing, this coming May. Congrats, Ukie!