ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

By Mr. Cesar Sta. Maria

" A journey to a thousand miles begins with a one step."

I would like to open my message of acknowledgement with the above quotation by Confucious. Early today I received a long distance call from Cora Duque of Batch '75 who lives in Wisconsin pledging her support for my project "AN APPEAL FOR A NOBLE CAUSE", spearheaded by yours truly endorsed to NHS On-line Comunity thru Ms. Chona Villafuerte-Go Batch '86 (NHSOC Website Administrator). For and in behalf of Bryan I would like to acknowledge Cora Duque's initial pledge of undisclosed amount with so much thanks and appreciation for doing the first step in our journey to a thousand miles. Thank you so much Ms. Duque.

Incidentally Cora sponsored Bryan's four year college education through the ROTARY CLUB of Caloocan. "Bryan Sanchez was one of my scholars. He went to PSBA thru a Rotary Scholarship project of RI District 3800 that I was responsible for. I didn't now about his situation till now and I am so glad that Mr. Sta Maria is doing the fund raising for him," Cora said. At the time when Cora called through my Vonage International connection Bryan was in the house for a surprise visit so they were able to talk lengthily both to their unexplained coincidence and disbelief.

To Chona Villafuerte-Go Batch '86 (NHSOC Website Administrator), "thank you for your quick reply and pledge of support. We appreciate your kindness. Thank you in God's name for Bryan Sanchez. The parents of Bryan were here early today extending gratitude for what we are doing to help Bryan. Mrs. Sanchez knows you pretty well and she is sending her best wishes to you. You have a wonderful day! God Bless!"

To the following for their cash pledges: Ike Calicdan Batch ‘73 (undisclosed amount), Rainier Cruz Batch '74 (undisclosed amount), William "Bill" Ngayan Batch '74 (undisclosed amount), Cora Duque Holloway Batch '75 (undisclosed amount), Rose Cruz Batch ’79 (undisclosed amount), Jesus Canlapan Batch ‘81 (undisclosed amount), Thess Bajandi Batch '82 (P500), Ronaldo Dalistan Batch ‘85 (P500), Janette Ellson-Espinosa Batch ‘85 (P500),Rolando Favor Batch ’86 ($50), Emmanuel Ison Batch ’86 (P300), Archie Penamante Batch ’86 ($30), Rosalia Sisic Batch '86 (undisclosed amount), Chona Villafuerte-Go Batch ‘86 (undisclosed amount), Lowell Villenas Batch '89 (P5543.48), Abigail Faye S. Ison Batch 2009 (P50) Thank you for all your cash pledges. I cannot thank you enough for all your unselfish support to my campaign for "An Appeal For A Noble Cause" to help Bryan Sanchez who is so dearly loved by his parents and siblings most specially his brother, Jay Phillip who is willing to sacrifice his own comfort for Bryan's sake including his personal need and convenience. Pjay as he is fondly called works for me as driver, bodyguard and above all my caregiver from the time I met him in October of 2007. Right now Pjay is working at NSO on a casual basis good for 6 months, as he has no civil service eligibility to stay in the job permanently. He still lives with me at least keeping me company at night. He checks on me regularly reminding me to eat on time, take my medicine and continuosly showing his concern while he is away. He is an exceptional young man who cares even for astray animals. He would go out of his way to feed cats and dogs with no permanent homes. He is evidently an animal lover. He has so much respect for older people. He addresses anyone older than him as Kuya, Ate, Tito, Tita or Auntie. He responds with "po" and "opo" all the time. He is an admirable son, cordial and respectful.

Both Pjay and Bryan are my constant companions being alone, away from my family who are in the US. I am here for my continuous therapy and rehabilitation. I now walk without a cane and can move my left arm with less difficulty. With Pjay around I can go to church, to the mall and watch movies with other seniors. In God's time I hope to be able to recover completely.

To one and all, again thank you and God bless!

Let me end this message by another quotation by Albert Shweitzer, "In gratitude for your own good fortune you must render in return some sacrifice of your life for other life."