The 9th Day-Celebration of Life: Macrine(a) Nieva Jambalos Katague

At our 50th Wedding Anniversary, CDM, Boac, Marinduque, Philippines, 2007

On August 10, 2020, my wife and partner for over 63 years passed peacefully in her sleep after several years of illness. She was a devoted spouse, loving mother and adoring grand mother, accomplished visiting trilengual nurse as well as a community leader. She had a passion for home health and public health nursing during her younger years in California and Maryland. Macrine had a Bachelors Degree in Commerce (UST), AA in Nursing, Contra Costa College, Richmond, California, a Bachelors Degree in Nursing and a Certificate in Public Health, Holy Name  College, Oakland, California.  She was involved in Home Health as a Visiting Nurse and later as Quality Assurance Manager. She retired early to enjoy our life as Snow Birds-spending half of the year in our retirement home at Chateau Du Mer, Boac(CDM), Marinduque, Philippines. For our Love Story read:     

https://letterpile.com/memoirs/our-love-story-our-coming-55th-wedding-anniversary

She has touched numerous lives with her involvement and leadership in several medical and dental missions to the province of her birth( Marinduque) in the Philippines as well as her active participation and leadership with the Filipino-American Associations in Stanislaus County( Modesto. CA), in Contra Costa County ( Pinole, Ca) and most of all with the Filipino-American Association of the Washington DC and Tri-State Area  (Virginia and Maryland). For our medical mission activities read:

https://hubpages.com/politics/medical-mission-of-love-to-marinduque 

It is customary in the Catholic Philippines to celebrate the 9th Day and 40th Day anniversaries after Death. This custom is based on the pre-colonial folk belief that the soul of the departed enters the spirit world on the ninth day following death. This is followed by another celebration ( Masses and Rosaries)  on the fortieth day after death to acknowledge the waksi, or death anniversary, when the soul is believed to end its earthly wandering and ascend to the afterlife.

So today on the 9th day after my wife's death ( Macrine Nieva Jambalos Katague), I am posting a few condolences ( 18 out of more than 700 messages) both from Ditas, Dinah and my FB pages. I have omitted the names for privacy reasons. 

Again I am thanking ALL of you for your cards, e-mails, telephone and FB messages of sympathy and condolences. Special thanks and lasting gratitude to those who donated to MI, Inc in honor of Macrine's memory.

Macrine busy in the Pharmacy Section during one of MI, Inc Medical Mission to Marinduque, Philippines

1. We regret to announce the passing today(8/10/20) of a very dear past president of Marinduque International Inc., Macrine Jambalos Katague, beloved wife of David B Katague, mother of four (4) children, Dodie, Dinah, David III and Ditas and grandma of 6 grandchildren. Our deepest sympathy and prayers to the Jambalos and Katague families.🙏🙏🙏. Macrine was past president of Marinduque International Inc. (MII) and spearheaded the first Mission of Love in Marinduque under the sponsorship of MII. She and David were staunch supporters of Marinduque International, Inc. Their beach resort , Chateau de Mer, in Amoingon, was venue for many events during the past medical missions when they retired there. However, due to Macrine’s illness, they returned to Fair Oaks, California, where they have remained . Macrine will be remembered for her leadership, her compassion and generosity of her time to help - her kababayans, friends, extended families, etc. She’ll be missed. 

2. Dear David, I am so sorry to hear that Macrine has passed. May she rest in peace. I know it has not been an easy time in the last few years. I am glad that we met before she got ill, and really appreciated the connection that she established. It was wonderful to visit your place in Marinduque with my family and Mother. Sending you love and prayers.

Macrine and I enjoying the visits of Macrine's Relatives at Chateau Du Mer 

3. My condolences to you Tito Dave and the rest of the family. Manang Macrine is a beautiful person inside and outside. I will always remember her for her endearing personality, her readiness to help others in need and devotion to the MI Inc projects. Rest in peace with the Lord Manang Macrine!

4. David, so sorry to hear the sad news. We were neighbors for a while in Silver Spring.  Macrine has been active as a community leader.  She made a difference. Eternal rest grant to a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, O' Lord.

5. Our deepest condolences and prayers, Dave, and family on the passing of dearest Macrine. She is now in peace with the Lord with no more pain and suffering and enjoying paradise . She is now reunited with her sister, Sister Guia and other siblings who preceded her. She’ll be welcomed by our past MII co-founders and past presidents, Doctors Rodolfo L Jao and Hector Sulit , who she worked with during the first Mission of Love in Marinduque which Macrine spearheaded as President of Marinduque International, Inc. Thank you for choosing Marinduque International Inc. (MII) as recipient of donations in her memory. Our deepest sympathy to Jambalos and Katague families

6. My heartfelt sympathy for the loss of your life partner and friend, Primo David B Katague. You are my senior primo, but my  two older sisters are your contemporaries, I believe. I was in high school I think when I heard your name mentioned over the dining table. It was about your doctoral thesis at a US university. First time I heard the word chromatography. Later I married a chemist and it became a household word as I did research using that tool too. I praise God for the full life He has given you, primo David.

 

Macrine and I with Olga Quiazon ( RIP) her First Cousin During an MI, Inc Meeting in Marinduque discussing medical mission activities

 

7. Our sincerest SYMPATHIES & deepest CONDOLENCES to all her loved ones left behind in extreme sadness, most particularly to brod., David. R.I.P., Lady Macrine, who bought for me 6 bottles of San Miguel beer, together with Ogie de la Santa, during the reunion of the Marinduque International, Inc. in San Francisco, California, U.S.A., on August 11, 1999, upon knowing that I do not drink any kind of hard liquor. That incident prompted Dr. Rudy Labay JAO to crack a joke, by saying that there was some kind of favoritism in said gathering. When U.P. Professor David Barredo KATAGUE and Macrine tied their knot of matrimony on May 8 ,1957, Rudy JAO and I were there in attendance, together with Zeny (Baby) Marquez (now Jamilla) & Lulu SARMIENTO (now RODRIGUEZ). GOD bless, everyone.  

 

Private Tour of the Bellarocca Resort and Spa ( Buenavista, Marinduque) with Anne Miles Jalac and Aquilina Rivas, 2011 

 

8. Good bye Tita Macrine. You will always be remembered with fondness. I won't hear your hearty laugh anymore but the memory of your tasty brewed coffee whenever we visited you will still be there when Tito Dave comes for a visit in Cawit. Fly high my friend coz you had a very fulfilled life, and when you come back for another cycle, I am sure it will be a another good life coz you sowed good seeds and you shall reap the rewards in another life. Tito Dave, grieve not for her death coz she is in God:s loving hands. Rather, thank God for 63 years of togetherness. Move on and in God's grace everything will be ok. Take care and stay safe.

 

9. I am so sorry for your loss. Your wife has the face of an angel May God lay his loving hands on you and your family during this most difficult time. Please know we are praying for a healing heart.  

 

10.  Our heartfelt condolences,Tito Dave. She will be remembered with fondest and most loving memories for Christmases, family bondings, and laughter during Marinduque medical missions and more. Hugs to everyone there. May Tita Macrine's soul rest in peace.

Our Wedding Day-May 8, 1957, Boac Marinduque, Philippines

 

From Ditas FB Page: (Five messages out of 200)

 

Today is a sad day. My mom passed away peacefully at home. As many of you know she fought the brave fight with Parkinson’s. My Dad and brother David III have been caring for her in Fair Oaks. She taught me (as many Filipino moms and Titas do) how to be tough and to rise against adversity. She introduced me to Corazon Aquino- the powerful strong widow of Benigno Aquino who was assasinated by Marcos - who went on to become the first female President of the Philippines. She pushed me to be so much more than I ever thought I could be and to overcome many challenges. Carenna said goodbye yesterday- and we both asked her to look for Nick up in heaven.

 

11. Ditas, you were blessed with a beautiful and wise mother for the greater part of your adult life. She planted seeds not only in her children but in her grandchildren. I will hold you and your father up in prayer during this time of sorrow. I can’t help but smile to know that she was married for 63 years, and to see your reflection in this beautiful picture of her. God is good.

 

12. Oh honey, I'm so very sorry for your loss. I can still picture her in the kitchen making lumpia for us that winter break when you took us home and she welcomed and fed us. And I'm forever grateful she and your dad gave me a place to stay while I searched for a job and apartment in DC, though I still cringe to think how she must have shrieked to you on the phone when she came home to a hundred dollar-plus dial-up bill because this dumb girl didn't know the nearest city. She was powerful, full of grace, created an amazing family and leaves a living legacy in you, Carenna, and your family. My deepest condolences to you all.

 

13. Ditas- I’m so sorry to hear this. I remember meeting your mom - she had a wonderful spirit and clearly was a supportive and empowering mother to you. Nothing can ever replace our moms. Sending hugs and deepest condolences as you navigate this loss❤️ 

 

14. So sorry to hear, Ditas. Your family is in my thoughts - I know how often you spoke of her and her relationship with Carenna. She is now at peace. Let us know if you need anything.

 

15. I’m so sorry Ditas. She raised an amazing daughter. She must have been a force.

 

Some of the Jambalos and Katague Clan Members-Celebrating Macrine's 80th Birthday, Fair Oaks, California, 2016

 

From Dinah's Face Book Page ( Three Messages out of 90)

Today my mom passed and joined the league of my personal angels. Thank you mom for all the love and lesson. You taught me to be the badass woman that l am today. I love you and miss you always!

16. Dinah,  I'm sorry for your loss and I remember your mom fondly. I wish heartfelt condolences to you and your family.

17. Dinah, So sorry. So many great childhood and beyond memories of you and your family in Modesto.

 

18.  I’m so sorry, Dinah. Your mother is so beautiful, just like you! Sending prayers for peace and comfort for you and your family.

 

https://www.facebook.com/ditas/videos/10157692912246270/

 

Above video of the slide show with Carenna singing Halleluia live in memory of her Lola

 

Meanwhile enjoy these two pieces- Macrine's Favorites: Romance by Rubenstein and Spanish Romance (Guitar)

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Will I be a Victim of the Broken Heart Syndrome?

This morning I woke up with mild chest pain. Am I a victim of the broken heart syndrome(BHS)? Luckily the mild pain stopped after 10 minutes so I guess I am not a victim of BHS!

Last August 10th my wife of 63 years died peacefully at home after a long illness. There is a possibility I will be a victim of the broken heart syndrome. To prevent this from happening my close relatives had plan a schedule for me-A Break and a change of Venue! 

This coming weekend, my sister-in-law and her husband had offered me and David a 3-days stay in their beach house in Stimson Beach, California. The next week I will be staying in their Home (in the Guest  Addition) for another 3 days in Palo Alto, California where my oldest daughter who resides in Santa Clara can visit me and keep me company.  I am thanking them in advance for their thoughtfulness and kindness. This week I will be also participating in the Hospice Program for Grief Counseling and other volunteer services. So what is BHS?

Here's some information about broken Heart Syndrome from the Web. 

"Broken heart syndrome, also called stress-induced cardiomyopathy or takotsubo cardiomyopathy, can strike even if you’re healthy. (Tako tsubo, by the way, are octopus traps that resemble the pot-like shape of the stricken heart.)

Women are more likely than men to experience the sudden, intense chest pain — the reaction to a surge of stress hormones — that can be caused by an emotionally stressful event. It could be the death of a loved one or even a divorce, breakup or physical separation, betrayal or romantic rejection. It could even happen after a good shock (like winning the lottery.)

Broken heart syndrome may be misdiagnosed as a heart attack because the symptoms and test results are similar. In fact, tests show dramatic changes in rhythm and blood substances that are typical of a heart attack. But unlike a heart attack, there’s no evidence of blocked heart arteries in broken heart syndrome.

In broken heart syndrome, a part of your heart temporarily enlarges and doesn’t pump well, while the rest of your heart functions normally or with even more forceful contractions. Researchers are just starting to learn the causes, and how to diagnose and treat it".

For more information read: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cardiomyopathy/what-is-cardiomyopathy-in-adults/is-broken-heart-syndrome-real

Meanwhile enjoy this Filipino(Cebuano) Classic song-Matud Nila-one of Macrine's favorite song

 

Bon Voyage to Carenna on her Way to the United World College in Maastricht, Netherlands

Carenna was selected to represent the U.S attending the UWC Maastricht starting the end of this month. She will be completing high school in a 2-year International Baccalaureate programme. Congratulations, my Pangga, We will miss you, but have Fun in Netherlands.  Here's what I learned about UWCM from Wikipedia.

The United World College Maastricht (UWCM) is a United World College located in Maastricht, the Netherlands. The school was established in 2009 and moved to a new campus in the Maastricht neighbourhood of Amby in 2013.

The school was established in September 2009, the school originates from a merger of the International School Maastricht and the International Primary School Joppenhof. The school was the 12th member in the family of United World Colleges. In September 2013 the school moved to a new campus in the Maastricht neighbourhood of Amby. The founder of UWC movement Kurt Hahn once said if a school were a ship, then student should be seen as the crew members and not as the passengers on board.

UWC Maastricht currently has approximately 900 students between the ages of 2 and 18. They originate from more than 100 countries. The UWC Maastricht community includes 200 international boarding students selected by a worldwide network of about 160 national committees based on personal merit and potential, irrespective of their religion, cultural, political or financial background. The students graduate with the International Baccalaureate diploma, a worldwide accepted university entrance qualification. The college has often attained the highest IB average score amongst IB schools in the Netherlands, with an average of 34 points in 2012.

The school was created as a center for all the national committee students from Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands to be the prime example, being around 25 percent of the whole school population. Based on the wide experience of the United World Colleges and the International School Maastricht, the UWC Maastricht will act as a Center for Expertise for Community Services (Expertise Centrum voor Maatschappelijke Stages). This center will be part of the new college campus and open not only to the UWC, but also to other national schools. The Dutch ministry of education expects the college to act as an example for other Dutch schools.

UWC Maastricht is part of the larger international UWC family. The President of the International Board, the governing board of the international movement, is Queen Noor of Jordan, while the honorary president of UWC was Nelson Mandela. The Dutch King Willem-Alexander is a former UWC Student and patron of the UWC Organization of the Netherlands. He opened the school in 2013.

The new campus at Discusworp 65 in Amby consists of two school buildings and three dormitories, arranged in a green setting on an 'island' surrounded by a moat and accessible via two bridges. The campus is part of Geusseltpark and is adjacent to a large swimming pool, a football stadium and other sports facilities. The campus is home to 120 residential students. In total there are around 730 students (23 pre-school students, 263 primary school students, 323 secondary school day students and 120 residential students and on every floor there is a house parent who are also teachers ) from around 90 countries.

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  UWCM campus in Amby

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  UWCM campus, bridge over the moat

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  UWCM campus, school building

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  UWCM campus, dormitories

Meanwhile, enjoy this photo of my first harvest of ampalaya (bitter melon)

The Health Benefits of Indoor and House Plants

Effective Placement of Indoor Plants for Decoration: Photo Credit: Yong Nieva

I have always enjoy houseplants and indoor plants as a home decor since we bought our first home in Kansas City, Missouri in the early 1960's. I was not really aware, conscious and knowledgeable how it improves your health, until a few years ago when I started reading and searching the Internet.

Today's blog is inspired when I learned a few weeks ago that Macrine's first cousin wife has started decorating their beautiful condo in Makati with huge indoor plants. Also, yesterday, I learned that my grand daughter in Graduate School in the East Coast,  is now into collecting houseplants in her apartment. 

Color and Lines of Indoor Plants make it effective for home decor-Photo Credit: Yong Nieva

Here are eight houseplants that can help solve a few common health-related problems. My two favorites are the spider and snake plants. I have these two plants in our house for several years now and are still thriving. 

1. Spider Plant

Spider plants are great for removing formaldehyde from the air in your home. This is the stuff that comes from all sorts of things you bring into your home including paper bags, waxed papers, facial tissues, paper towels, napkins, particle board, plywood paneling and synthetic fabrics.

If you have poor indoor air quality and not much of a green thumb, a spider plant may be exactly what you need. It’s one of the easiest plants to care for and can be kept in less sunny places in your home since it typically doesn’t like to be placed under direct sunlight.

A spider plant can grow in any type of soil and only needs to be watered occasionally. If you can remember to water it often enough that its soil stays moist, then that’s all you really need to keep this plant alive and thriving.

2. Aloe Vera

Chances are you’ve probably heard of or used commercially sold medicinal creams or ointments that say they contain aloe vera on their labels. Despite a lack of scientific evidence that aloe vera has any substantial healing properties, it’s been used for thousands of years as a common natural remedy to soothe irritated skin.

The clear, gel-like substance found in the inner part of the leaf can be applied directly to the skin. According to WebMD, people typically use it to help treat burns, sunburn, frostbite, psoriasis and cold sores. Make sure you speak to your doctor first in case you have any allergies.

Aloe vera plants need to be deeply watered and their soil left to dry just slightly (about 1 to 2 inches deep) between watering. They do very well with lots of sun but can turn brown if they get too much of it, so keeping your aloe vera plant under indirect sunlight is best.

3. Lavender

Lavender is a flowering plant that has a very gentle and pleasant aroma. Best known for its stress-relieving mental benefits, the scent of lavender is often used in spa products like bath salts, skincare creams, soaps and candles.

You can place a lavender plant anywhere in your home, but putting it in your bedroom is especially helpful since it may help you sleep better. Catching a whiff of lavender may help soothe restlessness, nervousness, anxiety, depression and insomnia.

Lavender plants prefer well-drained soil and lots of sunlight. They also need deep watering, but be careful not to water them very often. Aim to water your lavender plant when the soil is nearly dry.

4. English Ivy

Nobody ever wants to think about the possibility of mold thriving in their home. If you’re worried about it, bringing an English ivy plant into your home can help you rest easy since it’s well-known to purify up to 94 percent of airborne mold particles that can trigger allergies.

Like the aloe vera plant, English ivy is another great plant to put in your bedroom. If you have asthma or difficulty breathing at night, it can help you breathe easier and get a restful night’s sleep.

Be aware that English ivy is poisonous, so it should be kept well out of reach from children and pets. The plant thrives under fluorescent light but not direct sun, so it’s the perfect houseplant for darker than normal bedrooms with artificial light. Soil should be kept most at all times, but not soggy.

5. Snake Plant

Another great houseplant for the bedroom, the snake plant (also known as the “Mother-in-Law’s Tongue”) is among one of the most popular choices for improving indoor air quality. It actually gets most of its job done at night, converting carbon dioxide into oxygen as you sleep.

Snake plants also remove all sorts of toxins from the air including trichloro ethylene, formaldehyde, toluene, benzene and xylene. To optimize its air purifying power throughout your entire home, you’ll likely need more than one plant. Plan to get anywhere from 6 to 8 snake plants that are of waist-high height for optimal air purification.

Considered to be one of the easiest plants to care for, snake plants do great when placed under indirect sunlight. You really don’t have to water them much at all, and they’ll actually grow better if you let them dry out quite a bit between watering.

6. Rosemary

Rosemary is an herb that’s been used in folk medicine for centuries to help improve concentration and memory. It turns out that there may be some merit to this claim since a study conducted by Northumbria University found that people who were exposed to the scent of rosemary essential oil performed better on questionnaires compared to people who were exposed to no scent at all.

The memory-boosting component of rosemary is thought to be caused by a compound called 1,8-cineole, which may cause increases in a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. Although you may be able to take advantage of a more potent scent by using rosemary essential oil with a diffuser in your home, it doesn’t hurt to keep a rosemary plant nearby in places like your home office or any other room where you could use a mental boost.

Rosemary can be planted in a pot and put in any spot where it has access to bright sunlight. It should be watered evenly throughout the growing season, but will need less water in the winter. Avoid over-watering and remember to trim your rosemary plant after it flowers.

7. Peace Lily

Peace lilies will really compliment your home decor in the summer when their beautiful white flowers are in full bloom, but that’s not all that they can do. This pretty and powerful houseplant is a master of air pollutant removal – working hard to absorb ammonia, benzene, xylene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene throughout your home.

Since this is a flowering houseplant, it will produce some pollen and a floral scent, which isn’t always suitable for people with plant and pollen-related allergies. With that in mind, peace lilies can make a gorgeous addition to any dining table, side table or entryway table.

Peace lilies should be planted in a pot with all-purpose soil and kept slightly most throughout the entire year (without overwatering). They can thrive in both low and bright light, but do best in shaded areas.

8. Boston Fern

If you live in a location where humidity tends to be a problem, the Boston fern may be the most ideal houseplant to bring into your home. Said to be a natural humidifier, Boston ferns are among the best air purifying plants that also combat formaldehyde, xylene and other unwanted toxins.

Place this type of fern in any air-conditioned room of your home. It may also indirectly benefit any dry skin you may suffer from, which can often be a side effect of highly air-conditioned indoor spaces.

Boston ferns are easy to grow and prefer indirect sunlight, but you should check the soil daily to make sure that it’s kept moist. They’re most efficient in rooms kept at a cool temperature with a humidity level of 50 to 80 percent.

Never discount the power of what a simple and innocent looking houseplant can do for your health. It’s worth doing some further research on the type of plant you choose and how to care for it if it means it will make a difference in how you feel.

Source: https://www.lifehack.org/363824/8-houseplants-grow-that-can-dramatically-improve-your-health