June 2023 ZAI Newsletter
Publisher: The Zambales Association, Inc.
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Party Time: A Pandemic Aftermath
The Masters of ceremonies were husband and wife, Pepe and Anne Cabacoy. At about 7:30 in the evening, the program began with the usual “Are you ready to party?” greetings.
The blessings and before-dinner prayers by Mineheart Najera followed. His lead blessing of the food was rewarded soon. The serving staff came out with the dessert of cheesecake and carrot cake first instead of the routinely served salad and dressings. A miscue, we thought.
There was a long wait, followed by more iced tea and water drinking.
A table was set up for coffee, individually served in regular and decaffeinated. Instead of the coffee creamer, the ingredients of regular sugar, Splenda, and milk were next to the coffee pots, the steering sticks, and the cups. Attendees favored serving themselves hot coffee while waiting for dinner to be done.
While the food service was a little slow, more conversations about the weather lingered around the guests' tables as we observed through the glass walls of the building the drizzles of fine mist and evening showers. It is, after all, a typical occurrence in May in the Mid-Atlantic region.
The sad surprise was the pandemic's toll from mid-2019 to the present. A lot of our friends are no longer with us. Our appearance, too, has changed greatly. We grew up during the pandemic period in many ways, and we will be able to adjust to the changes soon.
Patience always pays. Some faces showed relief as small salad plates containing assorted greens were being served. Not long after, a dinner of London Broil and Salmon was served with side dishes of mashed potatoes, green beans, and broccoli. Some people complained that the meat got stuck between their teeth because it was tough. Our elderly guests with false teeth were particularly affected. (Sorry, folks!) The broiled Salmon was a welcome treat, however.
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The ZAI Family Picnic is on July 30, 2023, at
Woodstock Park, Providence Rd, Virginia Beach, Virginia.
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After dinner, the evening guests must recognize the popularity of line dancing. But soon, they can only do cha-cha and mambo so much before a breather is necessary. Then, the old fashionistas have to take over the dance floor. (Click this link to see the best line dancing video.)
In Bibay's inspirational speech, she stressed the importance of mother-child relationships in the household environment and throughout the children's adult lives whenever possible. Healthy interaction, she says, between parents and children would ultimately lead to a well-rounded adult life. Finally, she wished all the mothers a great day and an excellent start to their week.
Adding to the Mother's Day festivities was picking the evening's mother. The selection process was relatively straightforward. A ticket stub was selected from a box of guest stubs, and the lucky person was honored. The cheerful mother was Rose McDonald. Her partner, whose name was not mentioned then, helped her celebrate the unexpected glory.
The highlight of the evening was the gifting of bright red and yellow roses to the mothers. It was a thoughtful gesture of respect and appreciation for all the many sacrifices the mothers make in everyday interactions with the family. Thank you, mothers!
Before the evening ended, prizes were raffled. We appreciate all the sponsors and donors who volunteer gift-wrapped door prizes for the enjoyment of many. Again, thank you for your tax-deductible donations. Hehe!
The Zambales Association Inc. has again achieved another successful event, and it is the talk of the town for that matter. Thank you, everyone, for your participation.
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What is New in Virginia in July 2023?
Effective July 1, 2023, House Bill 1442 (2023 Acts of Assembly, Chapter 410) requires Virginia Tax to annually publish the current rate of the local transient occupancy tax of each county, city, and town on its website.
Virginia Military and Veterans Benefits
Virginia offers unique benefits for Service members, Veterans, and their Families, including a property tax exemption for disabled Veterans, education and tuition assistance, employment assistance, vehicle tags, as well as hunting and fishing license privileges. Eligibility for some benefits may depend on residency, military component, and Veteran disability status.
In case you want to drive by, the address is on West Neck Rd, and N. Landing Rd in Virginia Beach and is situated on a 25-acre site adjacent to Nimmo Parkway. Read more.
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Jokes (Gargarekgek laeng apo)
Bibingkang malagkit is a sweet rice cake native to the Philippines. It is a generational delicacy that is served in many Filipino parties. If there is no bibingka, it is not a Filipino party. (Beware: Do not destroy this cultural heritage by adding all sorts of unconventional toppings. Please make it like it is supposed to be made.)
- Combine glutinous rice, 3/4 cup of coconut milk, and 1 tbs salt in a pot. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low.
- Simmer gently while occasionally mixing to cook them evenly and not burn the bottom, let the mixture thicken until it’s nearly dried out.
- Add sugar and salt, then mix continuously on medium-low heat until it gets really sticky.
- Line a 9×13 baking tray with banana leaf, then transfer the cooked glutinous rice. No banana leaves? Fine. Just spray it with cooking oil or butter.
- Bring your topping to a boil, pour it on the rice cake on the baking pan, and bake in a 350 F preheated oven for approx. 10 to 20 minutes until thick and dark (not burnt).
- Remove from the oven and set it aside to cool down.
- Serve best when warm. Hmm… I'm hungry already.
A Cultural History: The Legend of Pinatubo
This June 15, 2023, is the 25th anniversary of the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo volcano. According to the Weather Bureau, it chilled planet Earth for approximately two years immediately afterward.
In Memoriam | Obituary | ZAI Officers |
Can you believe it’s already 2023? This year marks the fifth anniversary of the ZAI Newsletter, published by the Zambales Association, Inc. Despite the challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic, we managed to keep our operations running during its initial phase, and now things are starting to look up. Although some uncertainties remain, we no longer need to wear masks. Therefore, it’s essential to stay vigilant and appreciate every moment. As the saying goes, “Hope for the best but prepare for the worst.”
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FEEDBACK
Great job! Thanks for the June 2023 issue.
Special mention to their Veterans and their families for their sacrifices
and hardships for the sake of peace and freedom. To all veterans-CHEERS!
Sent from my iPad
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