Past Editorials
|
New Years Eve |
December 31, 2004 morning in Dublin, CA As I write this article, many countries have already celebrated New Years Day 2005. We still have ~12 hours to go here in California. While I was snoring away and in a blissful sleep, (I found this out later) Catherine awoke earlier to send an e-text to her folks back in the Philippines. They had their family gathering in Castillejos, a small town near Olongapo City. Thank goodness for technology, Catherine can still get the connection needed... although far away from her family clan. I would be an egotistical, dammed fool if I remiss addressing what happened in South East Asia just after Christmas Day. The tsunami that wrecked devastation of near-biblical proportions in many countries around the Indian Ocean has claimed so much lives. I woke up this morning to the news updating the dead count to now over 135, 000 people. When I first heard of this catastrophe, the count was around 23,000. It is just mind boggling to imagine the huge number of lost lives in one natural occurrence. For someone who was (again) recently blessed to witness the value of one life when my baby girl was born, I have difficulties processing the loss of so many lives and the on going impact of the tsunami aftermath. I ponder and ask why events such as this happens. I ask why God would let such events happen. I again recognize the vulnerability of humankind in its relationship with nature. I am reminded of the power of nature and specially of water. Our origins as humans was from water. We could not survive if we do not replenish ourselves with water. Water is a giver of life. Yet, as in this event, water can snuff out life so quickly. This reminds me of our fragility and our temporal status here on Earth. This event allows me to evaluate my value system; to assimilate and to affirm that materialism, although indeed nice to have and attain, is merely temporary. As I watch video feeds of the torrential waters rushing and flushing out homes, furnishings, cars, trains, and other man-made properties along without regards of nationality, race, politics, religion, sex, age, creed - I am once again given a God's revelation on what is really important and how one should live and how one must relate to others. There are so many lessons and wisdom to be learned here, perhaps so many enumerate. Each and every individual will parse this event differently. But the bottom line message may be this: Now is a time for all humans to be true humans, give up self-loathing and give a helping hand. For those who are so much well off than others, I would want these people to wake up and help out big time. I wonder what the likes of Bill Gates, Paul Allen, Larry Ellison, Michael Moore (who amassed millions of $ revenues creating a political statement), Tom Cruise, and many numerous celebrities and sport stars are doing. I challenge big businesses and corporations who have made money off people to do what they can to help in the recovery and rebuilding. I am sure people with medical expertise would want to help or volunteer. Engineers and rescue expertise is necessary. Governments and NGOs need to do its honest share. The "fight" here is not just between political enemies, or corporate competitors, or religious adversaries. There is a moral imperative for any human to do something positive and to do something good. Turning one's head away or blocking off our minds from this would be the biggest cop out and a shameful sin. This is a clarion for each and everyone of us to give humanity a chance. Why? As with this tsunami, if nature can dole out such wrath in South East Asia, it is inevitable (and indeed such events have happened in other places in the past) that future catastrophic events can and will happen. After all, we all are standing on top of land plates that constantly move as they "float" over the earth's molten core. I'd say it is just a matter of time and place. Yes, it could well be in your or my backyard next time! How well we -- as humans -- act and do with this event will help humanity address future cataclysms. For those who are not so well off, we can figure out many ways to get involved or to help. I am sure that even little gestures or assistance could make a dent. It could be monetary donations, volunteerism, or even emotional and psychological support. What would be an unacceptable is if one just sits down and do nothing! So, generously help in any way you can. Here a few link's to help out > tsunami help. -------------------- I have some very good news. It was great to receive an email reply from a colleague-friend of mine who lives in Phuket, Thailand. He said he had just left Phuket and was on a flight en-route to Shanghai to return to work when this happened. I am glad to hear that his wife and two children who stayed in Pjuket faired well and that their home was spared. He counts his blessings. --------------------- I count my blessings and thank God! I feel humbled and grateful, even if I approach 2005 with some big challenges for myself as I seek a new job. Yet, in the perspective of the tsunami event, my problem/s and challenges look miniscule. Christmas 2004 for me was fantastic but rather hectic. Family gatherings were plenty. The Bombon clan spent Christmas Eve at my sister Marily's home. Christmas Day was at Brigitte's. The following day at Rey's. Glory and her family drove from Palm Springs and spent a week or so here in No. Cal. Prior to December 24-25, my son Zachary and his mom Sally Carlin came over to spend three precious days with us and then they headed back to South Bend in time for Christmas Day with the Carlin family. They had a tough time heading back, was stranded in Cincinnati and had to traverse the last leg home with bad weather and severe snow conditions. The good news is they made it home safely and have many stories to tell, including meeting some great Samaritans along the way. December 22, I met up with my ex-work colleagues for Bob Burke's going away luncheon at Gordon Biersch Brewery. Yes, it was his turn to depart Bechtel and he was feted similarly as I was a few weeks back. December 21, John Bailey, my previous manager who is now in London was in town and bought rounds of drinks at the Hyatt Regency. After being out of Bechtel since Dec. 3, It somehow felt strange to be an "outsider" seeing Bechtel friends. Yet, the friendship and camaraderie prevails. Perhaps, it could be said that Bechtel people do not really go away, just fade away ( ...slowly I hope). We met up with John and Irene, Alex and Ester, Susan, and John's dad in Woodside. It sure was great to see old friends once again. Although we reminisced about our earlier gathering days, this was special since we were with our children. I got an email reply from Tehsin finally. I was worried there for a bit since I could not get hold of him by phone or email. It turns out he (too) turned off access to technology for a few days and was with relatives in New Hampshire and visited Montreal. Today, the Bombon clan will convene at Rey and Rose's home to greet the new year. Prior to that, Catherine, Sophie and I will swing by P.J. Colwey's apartment in San Francisco. I am happy that special people in my life are all safe and sound. I did get an email from the Dahl family in Sweden and they are well and safe. My prayers were answered. Yet, I still have to reach out to say hello to a few more friends, from as close as San Jose to Emporia, Kansas! ------------------------ A quick recap status as to what else has been going on... I've spun off Saigon City Restaurant's own website. I continue as 'unofficial" web-chef and photographer. This release coincided with the Nov. 12, 2004 Food Section review of the restaurant by the San Francisco Chronicle and a write-up on SFGATE.COM. I also officially published the website for Winston Granizo, a master fine arts painter (oils, portraits) who studied under John Sanden. I am thrilled with my involvement with my son Michael and his R3F buddies. The Guest List access perks are great. Their released EP CD is available at Interpunk's web site or during their shows. www.roundthreefight.com website provides show schedules and "merch" sites. There, you can also view two "stealh" videos that I shot of their gig at iMusicast. --------------------- Homi Commissariat in Pune, India will get upset at me if I don't provide an update of my immediate family clan:
I wish you and your families all the best in the coming New Year! Be good to one another. Stay safe, live long, and prosper. Remember to do something good for someone. Do something positive for humankind. It does return ten-fold. Peace and Love to you! Tommy. |