Author: gilvalenzuela

 What I Did in Las Vegas

“You went to Las Vegas? What did you do there?

Exclaimed my conservative friend who has an opinion that a pastor like me should not set foot on the “Sin City.”

“Yes, I went to Vegas without my wife and I had a swell time.”

That made my friend even more upset and dismayed.  And I had to explain myself.

“Well friend”, I said, “Do you know that you can go to the so-called “sin city” of Las Vegas, have fun, enjoy your time and be extremely encouraged and richly blessed?

“What? How?”

Find out how I did it.

Please read on.

I will tell you some interesting details of what I saw and what I did in Las Vegas. Although in doing so, I am going against the famous Vegas mantra: “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.

From the Carran airport, I took a shuttle bus instead of a taxi to go to my hotel-Gold Coast Hotel and Casino which is the venue of the CLSU 5th grand reunion. The shuttle bus is cheaper and it gave me a free tour around the city as it dropped passengers/tourists to their respective hotels. My hotel was the farthest and the last stop for the shuttle. So I got to see many other hotels including the MGM where my idol Manny Paquiao famously fought his big boxing matches.


The bus was full and from the sounds of conversations, people were very eager and couldn’t wait to let loose of themselves and enjoy their time. The travel to my hotel took us through the “Strip” area where the famous Ceasar’s Palace is prominently located- where Celine Dione performs.


We passed by the famous Bellagio where you can watch and enjoy the fountain dancing with music and spectacular display of lights . It is best to watch at night. Mandalay Bay, Hooters, and many more attractions are also located on the Strip. One cannot miss the announcements of major shows as they were prominently displayed on gigantic billboards.


Checking in at my hotel, the first thing that got my attention was the overpowering odor of cigarette smoke in the lobby.  I felt like I was transported back to the 70s and 80s when smoking was allowed and legal inside an air conditioned building. And for a health junkie like me, that was a big turn off.

The huge hotel lobby is a gambling den, where you can see all kinds of electronic slot machines, gambling tables, computer monitors and a whole array of image/noise generating gambling paraphernalias. The whole setting was a picture of another world to me.


But I was determined to enjoy and make the most of my stay in Vegas.

Exploring the casino area further, I was glad to see a coffee shop, (I spotted a corner where I could sit and write my blog while sipping Starbucks grande); A huge buffet restaurant, Subway Sandwhich, and a Chinese restaurant specializing in different kinds of noodles.

Of course my eagerness was triggered not by what the city had to offer. I’m excited to meet my fellow CLSU alumni.
And what a thrill it really was to fellowship with many wonderful graduates of CLSU.


When Engr. Gerry Galinato, the Alumni Association president learned that I was attending the reunion, he assigned me to deliver the invocation in each of the meeting. Having given that assignment, I realized I must act like the reunion Chaplain. I was very glad that God is acknowledged in the gathering of CLSU alumni. I took the assignment earnestly as it was a special privilege to represent my people before our Mighty God. I asked the Holy Spirit to anoint my words and my actions as I mingled with my fellow alumni. (The text of my prayers for each session is published at the end of this article.)

The reunion started off with a sumptuous Filipino buffet. The dinner gathering was very festive as everyone came in their colorful Hawaiian attire. I must admit I ate my heart out like I’d never had Filipino food for a long time.

I have my own buffet at Mabuhay Restaurant in Chicago but it’s different when someone else did the cooking.

The second day was the general assembly meeting and before any business was conducted, I was called to do the invocation. The  assembly was highlighted the sharing of success stories by three alumni: Dr. Padilla, Dr. Firma Viray and Jun Espejo.

Dr. Padilla was the founder of He is also a savvy businessman setting up

 Dr. Firma Viray waIopportunity to share and pray with several people attending the grand reunion.

The young man who read the guest speaker’s address, Engr. Sonny Sicat, a son of CLSU alumnus Dr. Sicat shared his story of his recent bout with cancer and how he survived. I could not resist praying for and with my fellow cancer survivor. So in the midst of the drowning gala music, we bowed our heads and humbled ourselves before our Great Healer! I’m sure he heard us! While there was dancing and merrymaking I went around meeting and talking to my fellow alumni and their spouses. Whenever I had a chance, I held their hands and offered a prayer.


I shared a room with my fellow alumnus and former buddy in cultural group-my friend Manny Buado who was the co-emcee during the big gala night. It turned out that my good friend (and his wife- not present in the event) were leaders in their charismatic group in Toronto, Canada. We started each morning with sharing and devotional prayer.

It was a joy to be reunited with my coach Tess Galamay Shiner. She was the CLSU WATC Corp Commander back in our college days. She was the chaperone and coach of the CLSU delegation to Cebu when we competedn for the national oratorical  contest.

On Sunday morning, my co-engineering alumnus and my fellow Collegian writer Dr. Carlos Carriaga invited me to attend s worship service at a nearby church then proceeded to the picnic.
During the picnic at the park, I went around talking to my co-alumni. Many of them requested to be prayed for. I said “Yes” and I did it right there laying my hand on them as I prayed.

It was a pleasure to be reunited with my batch mates (80’s graduates) Edgar and Ma. Excelsis Orden. Dr. Edgar Orden.


Now you know why I enjoyed my weekend in Vegas. I had fond memories, I was charged and inspired. I was enriched and above all, I was blessed!

The Grand Reunion Prayers:

The General Assembly

We offer to you our time together.

We invite you to be the special guest in our gathering. Because when you are present, there is peace, there is understanding, there is unity and there is harmony. When you are present, there is something good and beautiful that happens. Lord, allow us to accept the challenges that will be presented to us. Allow us to be a conduit of your blessings because you have faithfully and generously blessed lus. We pray for the continued progress of our beloved CLSU through the leadership of Dr. Abella. Bless him with renewed vision and may that vision be accomplished and come into fruition. May our Alma Mater continue to a beacon of truth and knowledge that will contribute to the prosperity of our nation.

Gala Night

Gracious God,

You brought us together tonight from far and near. You’ve provided all that we need that we may be together. You’ve raised up leaders to steer us to accomplish noble things.

Lord, tonight we celebrate your goodness, your faithfulness and your loving kindness.

Today Lord, in our general assembly, we have been inspired by the generosity of those who shared their treasures and wealth. We listened in awe as we heard stories of great success from Jun Espejo and Dr. Romeo Padilla. And we were challenged to dream big dreams as Dr. Eliseo Ruiz cast before us the vision for a “Golden Grain Tower” , and with a dream of one day seeing a Noble Laureate from among the CLSU graduates. Lord, we do not doubt that this dream could be realized, because in you nothing is impossible.

God , we continue to pray for CLSU and its leaders. I pray for Dr. Abella and his team. May you empower them to accomplish great things for CLSU. I also pray for the leaders of CLSU International Alumni Association as they continue to serve for another year. Bless them, guide them.

Tonight Lord as we gather to celebrate. May our merry-making be an expression of joy and happiness for all that you’ve done all that you will do to us.,

CLSU Graduate and Proud of It!

Note to my readers who are not from CLSU. I invite you to read on . You may not know the people I’m writing about, but their achievements and contribution to society are significant and inspiring.

My eagerness in going to Las Vegas was inspired not by what the city had to offer but by the opportunity of rubbing shoulders with some of CLSU’s great achievers. For the second time, after more than three decades, I got to see and reconnected with my fellow Central Luzon State University alumni. I am always inspired to hear their success stories. What a thrill it really was to mingle and fellowship with these wonderful CLSU graduates.
Here’s a small sampling of CLSU alumni outstanding achievements:


Drs. Edison and Nenet Cabacungan were both graduates of CLSU in 1959. They did masters and doctoral works in their respective fields-home economics and agricultural economics in the United States. They both served for more than 30 years as educators at California State University.  These faithful alumni are working hard to grow the Endowment Fund to provide scholarships to the poor but smart young people.


Dr. Terry Abella is the current president of  Central Luzon State University . He is a multi-awarded fellow in the field of Fisheries Science. Dr. Abella’s focus in this field of study was undivided as he pursued this scientific discipline from bachelors to masters and doctoral level. He is well published and widely cited in his line of expertise. His ability to focus is  an asset that is now employed in leading CLSU to greater heights.


Engineer Gerry Galinato the president of the International Alumni Association (3rd from left) had served the State of Idaho in various capacities such as Energy Specialist, Water Resources Engineer etc. for more than 35 years. He is currently serving as Technical Engineer at Idaho Public Utilities Commission.

 Dr. Eliseo Ruiz, Agricultural Engineering graduate in the 1970s was an editor-in-chief of CLSU Collegian. Dr. Ruiz was a former President of CLSU. His invention, a unique blend of organic fertilizer won several awards and recognitions around the world. His product is now being used in many Asian countries including Malaysia, Indonesia, China, Thailand, etc. Recently, it was noticed by a British agricultural expert who designed the entire irrigation network in Kenya. After several experiments that yielded excellent results, manufacturing plants are now being setup in Africa to mass produce his very promising product.

His organic concoction was also tested in California- from Napa Valley down to San Diego and Mexico, and the results are staggering. The curious American who introduced the product to various California farms was very convinced of its potency that she plans to show it to her friend Bill Gates. Who knows what’s going to happen if the benevolent philanthropist becomes convinced of the product’s impact on global food production.

Had his invention not been registered as a commercial entity, the Philippines would have had it’s first Nobel Laureate.

Another amazing invention by a CLSU graduate was introduced to us during the reunion by a young fellow, who even after several set backs did not give up but persevered instead. Jun Espejo did not have masters nor doctorate degrees under his sleeve, but his curiosity led him to some amazing agricultural technology never tapped before. His product and method are revolutionizing the production of fruits and vegetables in the Philippines. No more waiting for five long years to produce mango crop. He was able to cut the process such that even a six-month old tree can produce fruits. His agricultural products also gave solution to vegetable production. The technology is now being adapted in several regions of the Philippines. Governors of different provinces would invite him to consult on their agricultural issues. 

In the area of animal science, my former fellow Collegian writer, now a Professor VI at the College of Agriculture, Dr. Antonio Barroga takes pride in a new revolutionized swine and poultry production. He was personally involved in conducting field experiments using Dr. Eliseo Ruiz’s invention. This technology render an odorless and fly free production of swine and poultry. If you are interested in knowing more about this revolutionized method, please visit : “Livestock Odor Eraser and Flies Free Company.”

My co-engineering alumnus Dr. Francis Cuaresma found a way of extending the shelf life of mango. His technology process can make green mangoes stay green for up to two months. This breakthrough in crop handling has won awards for its economic merit. This technique will be useful in exporting the Philippine mango world-wide.

Dr. Gilbert Sigua is a USDA soil scientist who did a very important research on “Managing Water Availability and Quality to Maintain or Increase Agricultural Production, Conserve Natural Resources, and Enhance the Environment. He travels around the world consulting in the area of soil and water management and conservation. His wife Celia, my co-alumnus in Agri engineering field is in medical research. 


Samuel and Diosdado  Robeniol  were CLSU alumni who had degrees in area of agriculture engineering and agriculture respectively.  But  they both shifted to other professions.   The Robeniol brothers both enlisted in US military service. Samuel was in the army and Diosdado was in the navy. After Samuel completed his military service, he pursued the nursing profession. Diosdado continued his service as a civilian employee working as a maintenance crew in a naval base. The Robeniol brothers represent some number of CLSU graduates who shifted to second careers and demonstrated good success.  


From employment to business is another career change that some CLSU graduates have pursued. Engr. Rodrigo Dioso ventured in establishing a call center in Ilo-ilo city.  He left corporate America and went back to the Philippines to outsource employment for a health care business. His three-year-old company is poised to expand as an agreement with CLSU is bring drafted. The university will partner with Engr. Dioso in establishing a state of the art call center facility on campus. This will also serve as a training center for students preparing to become call center agents.

MABUHAY CLSU and your Alumni world-wide.

Feeding the Body and Soul

Humans are not just physical beings. They are also spiritual .  Just as our physical bodies need food, and so do our spirits.

Jesus said: “Man shall  not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. ”  Our spiritual food therefore is the Word of God-the Bible.

I love to eat! Who doesn’t? 

I eat three square meals a day with gusto. These main meals are supplemented in between by a rich variety of merienda (snacks).  I’m just grateful that I have a very active metabolism that’s keeping me from gaining weight. 

Being able to enjoy eating variety of food without restriction is a gift. While other people are very susceptible to food allergies, my gastronomic competence allows me to eat just about anything without any negative reactions. 

I’ve encountered people who have allergies to peanut, seafood, gluten, eggs, wheat, soy, cow’s milk and others.  Exposure to these allergens can be fatal. Remember the story of a girl who died instantly after being kissed by her boyfriend who just ate peanut butter and jelly sandwich? The girl had a severe allergy to peanuts.

I have a number of friends whose gouts are triggered by eating certain kinds of food.  Or, their blood pressure and blood sugar soar up the chart after ingesting a hearty meal. 

I got none of these reactions and effects.

And so, food has become 

my friend, 

my companion, 

my happiness and my comfort.

I pursue it.

I work hard for it.

I spend significant money to obtain it.

 I store it. 

I preserve it.

 I cook it. 

And best of all, I eat it with great pleasure. I am satisfied. 

My physical body is very well nourished, thriving and strong. 

But what is the state of my spiritual being?  Have I properly fed my spirit?

Have I equally pursued, obtained and preserved it’s nourishment? 

Can I say with certainty that my spirit is full and satisfied, and that it is thriving and strong?

Then, I searched my soul. It is hungry and craving for spiritual food.

“Lord, help me not to focus on my physical body alone. But, may I be reminded that my spirit equally needs care and nourishment. 

May I seek it’s well-being-to make it always healthy and strong. May I find great pleasure in feeding and satisfying it with your words which are sweeter than honey in the honeycomb, with the bread of life and with the living water.

“Read your Bible,  pray everyday and you’ll grow, grow, grow.”

 What’s in my Wardrobe Closet? A Tribute

My wardrobe closet is full even if I had not been shopping for clothes for a long time.

I’m blessed with church people and friends who are very generous and know how to dress me up. They shower me with gifts of clothes and more. 

I just celebrated my birthday this month and guess what I got for gifts? More clothes were added to my collection of brand new shirts, now piled in my closet, some with their sales tags still on. 

But a very special gift was given to me last month. And this is the reason why I thought of writing an article about the many clothes in my wardrobe closet. This is a tribute to those wonderful people.

Recently, a very good friend gave me two sets of expensive brand new barong Tagalog (Philippine native dress shirts) when she returned from vacation in the Philippines. 

When Ate Letty attended a dinner concert I did for the Lion’s Club in April, she noticed a shiny object running along my barong sleeve. (That’s the scotch tape I used to secure a tear on my barong which I hope no one would notice-but she did.) 

“Gil, what size of shirt do you wear? Ate Letty inquired while running her hand on my dilapidated barong sleeve. “I’ll get you a new one when I return from vacation.” “Medium Ate.” I answered. 

Ate Letty was a staunch supporter of Mabuhay Restaurant in Chicago. She wanted me to succeed and so she advertised for me. She arranged for a lot of catering orders and brought many friends to dine in.

Last year, she asked me to sing at a dinner banquet she organized in celebration of her 70th birthday. She grew fond of me when she learned that I was a former student of her cousin Dr. Gem Soriano of Central Luzon State University in the Philippines-the person who guided me in my earlier years of journalism.

When she came back from vacation, her son delivered to me not one, but two sets of barong Tagalog.

Ate Letty went to be with the Lord few days ago. She won’t be here anymore to see me wear those barongs .Thank you Ate Letty. We miss you.

Letty Soriano Villanueva
My closet has a section dedicated for barong. They come in different textures, color shades and designs. And they came from different special individuals.   

My brother-in-law Efren Olivares contributed to that collection. One of my favorites is the see-through barong. I have to wear a long-sleeved colored shirt under it. This style is perfect for doing a concert show-not too formal and it gets a lot of attention.

Brother Efren came to America in 2009 to assist me in the church ministry. Along with his wife Sarie and daughter Sarah, they left the Sultanate of Oman for the USA. Together, we ventured into a restaurant business.

But he passed away in 2011 due to illness and he left me with the church ministry, the restaurant and loads of clothings. 

I’d given away to the thrift store most of his clothes but kept all the barongs and a leather jacket. I miss my brother Efren.

Efren Olivares
 Many of my suits were contributed by my dear brother in Christ, Dr. Armando Pacis. My favorites from his clothing line are the light-colored suits which I never had before. I also like the winter collection which include several turtle and V-necks, and thick  woolen jackets. Many items are expensive brand names. Thanks to Sis. Ruth, Marissa, Michael & Melissa and Aimee for making me Bro. Armando’s heir of his nice clothes. 

Bro Armando was one of the founders of the Lord of the Nations Church. He preached and taught the Bible not only through the pulpit and classroom but through his life.

Dr. Pacis went to be with the Creator in August 2011 and we greatly miss him.

Dr. Armando Pacis

My other set of clothing came from a collector. “Since I came to America, I only bought clothes made in the USA!” said Brother Art Fajardo. His contribution to my wardrobe is very significant because I wear them almost everyday, for his line are mostly casual-everyday clothing. 

When I received his contribution, there was one item that stood out. It was an item still in its original packaging with the sales tag on it. No, it’s not made in USA. It was a beautiful barong proudly made in the Philippines. It came right on time for my daughter Gilary’s coronation night as Miss Illinois during the Philippine Infependence Day celebration. I surely looked handdome in it. At least that’s what my wife said.

Gilary and me

Brother Art Fajardo and his dear wife Violet were faithful members of my church. I’ve known them since I was a little boy. Through all the years they’ve gifted me much. They had
generous hearts and I was always
on the receiving end. But most of all, they love God’s work to which they contributed generously.

They went to be with the Lord six months apart. I miss them everyday especially when I’m wearing Kuya Art’s clothing. Gina and Vicky, thank you for passing down Kuya Art’s collection to me. They’re put to good use.

Kuya Arturo and Ate Violeta Fajardo with their daughters Gina and Vicky.
  So, this was how my wardrobe closet filled up. I treassure each item there, more than the ones I  bought for myself.  Each time I wear a clothing item from them, not only do I remember the special person, I feel like I am embraced and cared for.  It reminds me that they are cheering me on. Because they are part of the great cloud of witnesses. One day,  I will meet them again….in God’s appointed time. 

Meanwhile, I’m here fulfilling His purposes in my life. I may not have designer clothes to pass on to others. Instead , I wish to leave behind some important lessons of life:

through the experiences that I openly share; 

through the sermons that I preach and teach from God’s word;

 through my songs, poems and sayings.

through my friendship either virtual or personal.

I hope you keep on reading my writings.

God bless you all. 

I Watch in Awe: An Ode to Edita, my lovely Wife


(Sorry friends, I can’t wait for Mother’s Day to post this composition inspired by my best friend and wife Edith.)

I watched her grow

     from a young woman to becoming a

                   wife

                       mother 

                            grandmother.

And I watched in awe!

I admired her then.

I admire her now-

    even more-

        a hundred and more folds.

She’s strong 

     in faith

         in will

              in character.

She’d battled the strongest storm.

And she never buckled. 

It only made her strong.

And I am in awe!

She first loves God.

And so she’s able 

    to love her imperfect husband 

         perfectly!

She’d given life to a brood of three.

Yes, I love those progenies so deeply.

But her love for them, 

      try as I might,

I cannot equal.  

For God gave her the privilege of

      nurturing them in her womb 

          carrying them with utmost care 

              birthing them in great pain

                  feeding them on her breasts.

While I just watched in awe!

She’s skilled in loving, caring, cooking, cleaning, teaching, providing, protecting, counseling, sacrificing.

On these, I just don’t watch.

Actually, I lead!

But God gave me an excellent helper.

And as she helps me so diligently,

I watch in awe!

What’s in my “Guard Your Health Seminar”?

Here’s a sample: 

Healthy cells are the targets of free radicals. Free radicals are elements that are missing electrons and therefore are very unstable. They attack healthy cells to rob them of their electrons. When healthy cells lose their electrons they become free radicals themselves. In the process damages are caused in the body-that’s what free radicals do.

To counter the damage caused by free radicals in our bodies, we must introduce antioxidants. Antioxidants are elements that could supply electrons to the free radicals. When free radicals found what they are looking for (electrons), they are “tamed” and will not cause damage anymore.  

The Creator, has endowed a good dose of antioxidants to many kinds of vegetables and fruits. They come in the form of Vitamins C and E. 

Be good to your bodies, endeavor to incorporate a lot of these foods to your daily meals to help your body counter the effects of free radicals. 

Guard Your Health Campaign 

The above quotation outlines my seminar propositions.

After my cancer surgery more than five years ago, I developed and adapted a health regimen which I believe is keeping me healthy and cancer-free.

First, I educated myself about cancer prevention. I researched and studied nutrition, life habits, and practices that bring the body to homeostasis*. I learned how to improve my body’s immune system so that it is able to ward off diseases and heal itself in the event of illness.

 I believe I have something significant to share to others about physical health so I have been sharing my regimen to people around me for a while now. 

It’s time to go public. I am sharing my health regimen through the “Guard Your Health Seminars”.


______________________________

*The condition of the body when it is able to regulate the chemical processes that take place internally so as to maintain health and functioning, regardless of outside condition.

Meet my first guest blogger 

I’ve just received the best reward for writing a blog! My eldest grandson Camden started reading and enjoying it! Isn’t that my goal in writing my life story–for my grandkids to know who their Lolo is? I thought it would be many years from now before they would be able to appreciate it. I was wrong.

“Lolo, my favorite part of your blogs are the pictures with words on it.” Camden told me the other day referring to my quotations. Camden is six years old and is a good reader.  He prefers my Wisdom Quote blogs because they are shorter, they have interesting pictures and they easier to read. 

“Do you remember any of them?” I asked. “Yes!” Camden answered. “I like the picture of you and Lola that says “Listening to your wife can save your life.” He said, followed by a cute chuckle.  I was very surprised with this, to say the least. But I was even more flabbergasted with his next revelation. 

“Lolo, I want to make my own pictures and words like what you’re doing and I want to put in in the computer for people to read. He announced. “You mean you want to be a blogger?”  “Yes!” He answered with excitement.

“Remember when we went to the beach in Florida? At first I was scared to go to the deep part, but when my mom took me there, it was fun. So my words would be “The deeper you go, the funner it gets!”

I was over the moon listening to my grandson. My mouth opened and my jaw dropped. My grandson is emulating me!  I think, I’m inspiring him. I can see my influence on him right there and I feel very good about it.

Well, let’s consider Camden’s quotation “The deeper you go, the funner it gets.” 

Of course we know that for now with his young mind, he understands those words quite  literally.  Later, when he matures, he will learn the figurative meaning of those words. What I like about his quotation is his concept of cause and effect: If you do this-this is what happens.  He’s actually using this concept to construct other quotes. One day, he came running to me and said, “Lolo, I have another one!  “The more you read, the more you know.” I gave him two high fives for being so smart. Then we went back to his work-constructing Legos.

But what does it mean to us older folks?

I would relate this to the depth of my Christian Faith. The deeper you get into the study of God’s word, the more you know and understand life. The deeper you get to know Jesus, the more you know God’s love. 

Have you ventured into a deeper relationship with God? Can you say your faith is growing? 

Here’s a song I grew up with:

Deeper, deeper in the love of Jesus; Deeper let me go; Higher, higher in the school of wisdom more of grace to know

Chorus:

Oh deeper yet I pray; And higher everyday And wiser blessed Lord in Thy precious holy word.

Deeper, deeper blessed Holy Spirit take me deeper still ; Till my life is wholly spent in Jesus and His perfect will.

Deeper, deeper though it cost hard trials Deeper let me go.  Rooted in the holy love of Jesus let me fruitful grow; 

Deeper higher everyday in Jesus till all conflict past. Find me conquero’r ; in His own image. Perfected at last.

———————————Announcement:

Camden Jeremiah Cornette

Camden will start his own You Tube video blog doing a review of children’s toys. He and his mom Gilda already announced it on Snap Chat and Fcebook. I can’t wait to see it! I hope my readers will support him especially the ones who have young children and grandchildren.