I am delighted to recollect the most memorable and nostalgic moments I cherish as a PEASER member. My brother Resty and wife Emy Nadong, took my husband Ben, daughter Grace and I, to a Christmas Party for the first time December 1993. It was PEASER’s maiden general meeting at Cheltenham Elementary School. The Hon. Simon Crean was guest speaker, Rudy Mayo, PEASER’s President, and Felicissimo Ordona, PEASER’s Vice-President. We met the founders Tony Misajon, Jess Manongdo, and Julie Nyitray. Invited to be a member, it was an honour, and exciting offer. PEASER was in its infancy stage then. Julie briefed me of its objectives, membership, projected activities, plans and financial status.

I placed myself with the task of writing a project proposal for PEASER for funding, submitted to Kingston City Council and succeeded. This was the very first grant PEASER ever had. From then, the association steadily grew in membership – many hands make work light as the saying goes. Enterprising members volunteered to form a dance troupe, and funds came in with their SULYAP presentation at Phoenix Hall in Elsternwick.

Cultural fundraising activities followed, like Mr and Miss Little Valentine contests, which my grand-daughters won: in 2001 Camille Santos as Miss Charity, and 2009 Emma Simpson as Little Miss Valentine.

Best years included varied activities such as Banquets with Hong Lim, Australia Day celebrations, Philippines Independence Day, Ballarat Begonia Festival 1998, Tulip farm visit 2001, Ferry Boat BBQ to Geelong, Balnarring Beach house respite, Parliament House, health forums, and fantastic trips to members delight. In Albury were incredible wineries, and trout fish, Tasmania by Air and Spirit of Tasmania, and Adelaide by Air and Rail. Lastly, in my granary of memories instilled were regular Sunday meetings and camaraderie and birthday celebrations.

I experienced the best things for health – the 3 Rs – recreation, relaxation and rest. Enjoying life with pinoy favourite cuisines like lechon, adobo, palabok, leche flan, halo halo, sinig, tocino, longaniza, cuchinta, pinacbet, bachoy and fruits galore.

Praise the Lord!