REVERSE MORTGAGES: THE PROS AND CONS, THE MYTH AND REALITY.

REVERSE MORTGAGES:  THE  PROS AND CONS, THE MYTH AND REALITY.


               Today’s  column is about senior citizen homeowners whose priorities in

life have changed radically, especially in health care matters (that include end-of-

life issues), the distraction of the activities of daily living, exacerbated by declining

CASH FLOW,  not necessary in that order. As a senior citizen myself, who has been

in the health care industry as a controller in the past, followed by a career in the

financial services that included real estate, mortgages, insurance and securities,

over the last 4 decades in America,  I feel quite experienced and  knowledgeable

enough to discuss these issues confronting the aging citizens of this country.

           This column, envisioned to be an intermittent series of articles concerning

issues confronting seniors like Medicare, Medicare Advantage products, and

Living Trust, will  about  Reverse Mortgages that are becoming more and more

popular every year, as they  can really  help the many senior homeowners and

their family  during the last quarter (or less) of their earthly life.    With the

increasing life span of Americans,  more and more seniors will live through their

nineties and  many  will even pass the century mark! That phenomenon,

however,   is also bringing many unexpected challenges like health care expenses,

and earlier-than-expected depletion of families’ nest egg to afford and maintain

the quality of life of many  seniors.  More and more people are exhausting their

savings , pension funds every day causing a havoc on the lives of the aging

       Cognizant of this actuarial reality, financial institutions have created a

mortgage product especially designed for seniors, called  REVERSE MORTGAGE, to

enable them  to tap and get the needed CASH from their considerable built up

equity on their primary residences.  The rationale is for these senior homeowners

not be  compelled to sell their homes, then  uprooted into another community

away from their friends and familiar surroundings, but where the housing market

is more affordable to fit their reduced income.  For this group of senior

homeowners who are cash poor but equity rich,  a reverse mortgage, can be a

good and timely solution to sustain and afford the  lifestyle  that they have been

used to until they pass away to the next life.

WHAT IS A REVERSE MORTGAGE?

                  It is a mortgage loan program designed by financial institutions that is

federally insured given to senior homeowners, who are at least 62 years of age,

wherein the homeowners-borrowers  receive the loan (cash) against their primary

residence without the legal obligation to repay the loan  as long as the  husband

or wife is still alive, and living in the same  property.  The maximum loan available

is based primarily on the age of the younger spouse, the appraisal value of the

property. Typically, the  reverse mortgage loan amount is about 55% of the

appraised  value (with ceiling limits that vary from one region to another)  The

older the  homeowner-borrower and  the higher the value of the house, the

higher the available reverse mortgage loan amount.    The homeowners are

required to live in the property, maintain the property in good  normal condition

and continue paying the annual property tax and homeowners insurance.

                    When the first spouse dies,  the reverse mortgage contract continues

until  the surviving spouse  dies  or  the property is sold, whichever occurs first.  In

the event of death of the last surviving spouse,  the heirs (children) to the

property have one year to secure the cash or obtain another loan to pay the

reverse mortgage lender  in full, that includes all the accumulated unpaid

interests that are added to the original principal.   In the event that the property is

sold at that time,  any excess of the selling prices less all selling expenses and the

payoff of  the reverse mortgage loan, will inure to the heirs.   In the unlikely

event,   that the  net  selling price of the property, however, is not enough to pay

off the outstanding balance of the reverse mortgage loan,  the estate of the

deceased borrowers nor their heirs  are  NOT  obligated to pay  the deficiency to

the reverse mortgage lender.  That is the main reason that there is an FHA

insurance imputed on this kind of mortgage loans.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF A  REVERSE MORTGAGE  TO SENIORS?

              Like student loans,  there are some  obvious advantages of  reverse

mortgage for the right kind of  senior homeowners.  Foremost is the availability of

extra cash  that  the senior homeowner can get ----- monthly, quarterly, semi-

annually, annually or lump sum  ------ depending on their choice.  That extra cash

can be used for any purpose  like going to an extended vacation,  world cruise and

travel, better and healthier foods, better medicines, much needed dentures,

occasional visits to spa and beauty parlors. (Going to Las Vegas is NEVER

recommended)   The withdrawn cash can also be used to improve the same

house, or buying another  house in full  for the children or grandchildren  to

reside.  Many reverse mortgage borrowers have also utilized  the cash proceeds

as a  huge down payment  to purchase  another jhouse for their children or

grandchildren.  A substantial down payment of 20% or  more will avoid the PMI

(Private Mortgage Insurance) premium  that makes the monthly payment much

              The availability of ready  cash, which is just a part of the current as well

future equity on the house,  can sustain and in many cases can  even enhance the

quality of life of the homeowners.  This financial tool   can also relieve  them some

unnecessary stress in   just trying to live from one social security check to another

social security check,  or   some annuity pension, if there is any.

              Some elderly parents who can access cash from their huge equity have

also  become more generous to their children  or grandchildren.  For others, with

ready cash,   there is no more need to ask monetary help from others, especially

from their children, a healthier situation  which could result into a better and

healthier relationships.

             Let me share with my readers an example of a very satisfied happy client

in Orange County, California.   This man has a fully paid house that he bought over

50 years ago for less than $40,000 but with improvement and additions over the

years,  the house is now worth $750,000!  As he is now almost 81 years old, he

qualified for the maximum of about almost $400,000!  He tapped and got

$350,000 cash from a reverse mortgage lender and used the proceeds to   to buy,

in full,  a nice, bigger house in Riverside County for her daughter and her family,

who were just renting a house for $1,500 a  month,  after they lost their house a

few years ago, due to the collapse of the housing market  that  resulted into a

huge loss as the market value of their house that they bought during the peak

market  just about 50% of the balances of their  two mortgages: an  80%  first

mortgage and 20% second mortgage.  

             Let  me paint the hidden benefits of this dual transaction:

         The father’s  $750,000 real estate equity (networth)  as of the purchase date

of the second house remained the same:  $400,000 in the first house ($750,000

value less $350,000 reverse mortgage loan)  and the $350,000 value of the 2nd

house without any mortgage.

             After purchasing the 2nd house, there are now two properties appreciating,

instead of just one.  There are also property taxes that can be deducted by the

daughter from their family’s  adjusted gross income. (unfortunately  or

fortunately there are no mortgage interests)

              Now, the children can put their $1,500 that they used to pay as rent into

some savings account for future investments, or into some kind of annuity   or any

other conservative retirement vehicle.  The family could also use this amount to

pay the interest on the reverse mortgage (it’s  an option) so that the $350,000

reverse mortgage principal does not increase, so that there will be more equity

left for the children to inherit, after the parents die.

WHAT ARE THE DISADVANTAGES OF A REVERSE MORTGAGE?

            As in most loans,  a Reverse Mortgage has also costs that are incurred, like

the Counseling Service fee that is a mandatory for all borrowers prior to even

starting the loan process,  the appraisal of the property that is often paid up front,

and  the FHA insurance that is  a “necessary evil”  for these loans that will add

more dollars to the principal, in addition to the  interest rate that is being

imputed every month.   Hence,  a reverse mortgage  would appear to  be more

expensive that a regular  refinance mortgage  loan that has no PMI or FHA

              Without any repayment to the reverse mortgage loan,  the equity built up

is partially shared with the lender, hence the heirs will  be inheriting less from

their parents.  There might be a slight chance or potential  ZERO inheritance, if

the parents live too long  that the outstanding balance of the loan,  with all the

accumulated interests,  has caught up with the a potentially low appreciation of

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MYTHS AND REALITY  OF A REVERSE MORTGAGE?

                 Many people have been told  that once a senior  gets a reverse

mortgage loan,  he is in fact giving up his house to the lender, and he will lose his

house.  NOT TRUE.    The homeowner remains as  the legal owner and can sell the

house anytime. Like  any other mortgage,   the reverse mortgage loan, which is

normally the first lien holder on the house,  must be paid off before the title is

transferred to the next owner-buyer.

                    The Reverse Mortgage lender will never sell the house as long as the

surviving spouse is still residing in the property.  They will only have the right to

sell the property after ONE year after the death of the second spouse, IF the heirs

cannot obtain  the cash to pay them off.

                     The reality of any reverse mortgage loan is that is it is almost like any

traditional mortgage loan with the ONLY difference that the homeowner-

borrower  is not  required to pay any monthly amortization  or any payment

towards the interests NOR principal  until the house is sold or the last surviving

spouse dies. Like any other  mortgage, this Reverse Mortgage Loans are  recorded

as first  lien against the subject property,  that will be  paid sooner or later by the

borrowers, his estate or heirs.

COLUMNIST’S  OPINION:

                   As a retired CPA and  financial advisor,   I believe that like any loan

programs or financial vehicles out there,  reverse mortgage is NOT for everybody.

It’s  not meant to cure all financial or cash flow problems that seniors may have.  

But for many  retired seniors who are cash poor but equity rich, it may be a great

timely solution to assist them live a better and healthier life.  That extra cash can

stop their living as  “starving seniors” who   are eagerly waiting for the limited

social security check every month.

                   Before any senior homeowners get this kind of loan, do ask intelligent

questions and apply the PROS and CONS to their  particular circumstance. Avail

of the required mandatory counseling service  and never rely 100% to any loan

officer or lender who markets the  reverse mortgage products to senior.  

           You can email  or call this writer (714) 742 1365,  as a service to my fellow

seniors and readers,  I will professionally analyze  your particular situation, and

recommend the right and suitable solution to your specific circumstance. Before

you decide to get any financial product, be it reverse mortgage or refi loan with a

cash out or an equity loan, you must fully understand the impact of that product

health to your financial.

             May you all have a healthy and happy retirement, fellow seniors!

                                           ---------  3  0  ----------

Email:  ernie.delfin@gmail.com   or zhunrize.foundation@gmail.com

Websites:   www.rotaryeclubGlobalKalingaD3780.org

                    www.foundation4nextgen.zhuncity.com

THE FORTUNE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PYRAMID

THE FORTUNE AT THE  BOTTOM OF THE PYRAMID

            I  just finished reading "The Fortune at the Bottom of the Pyramid",   an international best-seller authored by C. K.  Prahalad.     I   love the book so much that I ordered a dozen copies to give as gifts to  some of my business friends who are  also engaged in some kind of  community action work, like the Rotarians,  in their own communities.   

          The book has kept me both engrossed and  intrigued by the many  revolutionary ideas that the author, with his dozens of researchers-collaborators, has scholarly presented  with success case stories along the way. No less than   Bill Gates, a great benefactor  to  Rotary International, wrote:   "C.K. Prahalad argues that companies must revolutionize how they do business in developing countries if both sides of the economic equation are to prosper. Drawing on wealth of case studies,  The Fortune at the Bottom of the Pyramid offers an intriguing blueprint for how to fight poverty with profitability." 

              Visiting  a  developing country,  (why do they call such countries "third world" puzzles me?)  like Zambia, Mexico, India or the Philippines is quite different than touring progressive countries like the United States. If you only shop  in malls like   Beverly Hills' Rodeo Drive or Newport Beach's Fashion Island, you will definitely  experience some degree kind of culture shock when you go to undeveloped countries' market places. The face of (material) poverty is present almost every where,  yet people like ants go on their daily life  as theresidents  probably do not even realize that they are "poor" by  Western standards.  Ironically, however, people seem happy and  content with the little material possessions they have  often  to the amazement  of many  first time North American tourists.

             Doing business with the Bottom of the Pyramid (BOP)  requires patience, innovation and complete understanding of the  BOP practices and culture. The typical way of doing business in advanced countries normally does not work in the BOP environment. A new paradigm in conducting business in this massive BOP society is a must  just to  survive and  succeed   The  priorities and cultural tendencies of these BOP customers are uniquely different as they often  buy only the things that they need for a day or two.   As the poor spend most of their time  in quest for their family's  basic needs like as food, shelter and clothing,    there is almost no time nor money left for education, a great equalizer or  tool  to extricate themselves from the web of poverty that they were born into.    Hence,  the lives  of those in the BOP  become a vicious circle: no education means almost no chance to unshackle the bondage of poverty that they have inherited from previous generations..  

              The book describes this unique environment where many businesses fail  and thereby also fail to helpthe community to rise up to another level of progress. However, the few innovative businesses, like Casas Bahia in Brazil,   Hindustan Level Limited in India or CEMEX in Mexico that accept and understand the peculiarities of this BOP market are now thriving and giving rays of hope to millions of  people to have  a better future.  

                                                     * * * * *               

              We Rotarians and educated leaders, if we are called "the salt of the earth",  must also  learn how to innovate and make our noble efforts magnified  to achieve wider and greater impact. In future district conferences or assemblies, probably we  can hold  workshops with any of these businessmen  applying these revolutionary  practices  to be able to empower more poor people become more self-sufficient  in many undeveloped or developing nations where Rotary is already present.

             Empowering the poor by training them to have livelihood projects is quite noble,  but hardly  enough to change the economic landscape of the BOP. Teaching a person how to fish,  that will probably  make him not go hungry for a day is OK,  but that is barely enough.  Teaching people  how to fish and then helping a   few good  fishermen  to acquire a boat and educating them with the rudiments of being a  business owner so they can   hire others to fish  for them  is a far  better goal.

             The Western world  must continue to  innovate and understand the underlying culture why millions of people remain poor to this day. Often, due to their being exploited and subjugated for centuries,  these people of undeveloped countries  (BOP)  just do not have the means, opportunity  nor  capital to venture into any business undertaking that gives them sustainable profits in order to progress.  Often the poor live day by day, exposed daily to natural calamities  as well as man-made disasters, like war,  that make the plight of the poor much worse.  

               Rotarians  can help more people more deeply if we   find pragmatic  solutions  to dismantle the infrastructure of many countries'  (feudal) system of social injustice, the root  cause of  untold poverty of  their people.  A philosopher once said:  "No  charity work can  substitute the lack of social justice in any  society". Yes,   fellow Rotarians that  is the greatest challenge that our world faces today as we do  our best to "MAKE DREAMS REAL"  every   year.

                                                         ------  3 0 ----

              

  Email writer:  ernie.delfin@gmail.com  or drbannatiran@yahoo.com

-- 

ONE SUMMER DAY, 2011 ON THE LIFE OF THIS WRITER

ONE SUMMER DAY, 2011 ON THE LIFE OF THIS WRITER

           Yesterday  is a very unusual day.   I started the day early by doing what my wife calls an unorthodox  “carpentry” work  (a pure enjoyment)  finishing a wooden carport attached to old trunks of pine trees in front of our house. Once it’s covered by the morning glory vines as well as the grape vines , I believe it will be unique and beautiful.   I predict also that our drivers at home will  compete to  get that one cool spot  especially during  the hot summer months.  That is my “physical quadrant” for  about 4 hours as I had to rush to meet  a new client in Rancho Palos Verdes in the South Bay.

           At noon,  I had a couple hours meeting a new client,  J.S.,   regarding  his family’s plan to put up a  Foundation to perpetuate the legacy of a Japanese American s family’s contribution to the community since the late 1800’s.  For many decades, the family was quite known in the South Bay (about 35 miles south of Los Angeles)  producing fresh fruits, vegetables, fresh flowers and other agriculture products and sold throughout LA county.  Doing this back breaking but  noble work, this family contributed much to the  community while employing hundreds of people during the years that this  family was involved in the farming business.   Now,  this huge  ranch is no longer what it used to be,  but  still has significant remnants of  aging avocado, citrus trees  and other fruit bearing trees surrounding the old ranch house, with a 360 degree panorama of the ocean andthe lands below it. The property sitting on a mountain has an excellent vantage point to the blue Pacific Ocean to the south and the farm on the opposite direction.   As the original  Japanese American  family is  no longer around,  theheirs have decided to sell  the property for at least a few million  dollars, hence theneed for a Foundation to help alleviate the huge tax bites.

          Having seen this beautiful area of Palos Verdes many times and now listening to the plans of the heirs in putting up a Foundation where I was invited to be one of the trustees was a big serendipitous surprise as I just met this family this summer.  However in the mysterious work of a Mighty Hand,  I am blessed and  happy as I can really relate and appreciate the nobility of the foundation’s purpose:  to perpetuate the harmony and connectivity of all people regardless of national origin, creed or color. To be a  part of this charitable Foundation  is indeed a gift and also  blessing.  As they say in Filipino… “Abangan ang susunod na kabanata”  meaning  “watch for the sequel”  of this emerging  and colorful story.

                                                                      ****

                From this business appointment,   I had to proceed to a  Urology Specialist who I was referred to by my primary care doctor.  When you are with your doctor,  you are automatically  reminded of your own mortality and  that human instinct to preserve that dear life becomes more pronounced. To live a long healthy life becomes  your hope, prayer and novena.  This nice doctor (also a Japanese American as the family setting up the Foundation!)  strongly recommended some  procedures just to rule out more serious ailments like cancer.   Sensing that I felt nervous and afraid,  he assured me that  “I am not dying”  that he has done hundreds  of this “typical” medical   procedure.  He added that it is not  really painful and it is more of a precautionary step to prevent more “serious”  consequencies if detected early enough.    As a patient, how can you dispute or question your doctor’s  recommendation?  When you go to a doctor, you are in effect giving him your trust and confidence that  he has  your best welfare in his heart.   He hss

LLLWith a very good insurance coverage, I had to agree to this biopsy procedure for the first time in my life, next month,  after our European adventure!  (Why not, I may not have another opportunity again, who knows?)     

* **    

           In  the evening,  my wife reminded me of our commitment to be  Eucharistic Ministers  in a special healing mass in our own Catholic church that was celebrated  by a visiting priest, Fr. Efren Borromeo,  from Albay Province in thePhilippines. Due to his obvious popularity and the wonders of the internet that broadcast his celebrating mass in Orange Country,  many people  came even on a Tuesday night.

             Being in  the church for a couple of hours with many  much  older people than my family who were obviously there for their own “healing” , considering what transpired to me during the day, especially the one-on-one conversations with my new Japanese American urologist  made me pensively vulnerable, reflecting  on this perennial question “What is Life?”   as well as what is the“Purpose of my own Life?”    Also with us  in church   were  my daughter Donna and her l5 month old baby Olive (our first grandchild),   a profound scenario that made me really think and ponder deeply into my own life. The solemn atmosphere inside the church brought me some  inner tranquility but mixed with an indescribable  mixed  feeling of sadness and joy.   It was a  healthy and beautiful feeling but was  also emotionally draining.  

            Before sleeping that night,  many scenes  of my life flashed  in my mind screen.  The scenery formed   a long,  interesting colorful movie,   with all  themany trials, struggles, suspenseful  events that had  taken places in my 60 plus years on this earth.  Overall,  I am very pleased  as I tried my best to balance my life ----with the essential quadrants of a fulfilled life----  with family, church, community and Rotary by volunteering my time for many years.   Although I may not  leave a lot of (material) inheritance to my children, as some of some of my really “rich”  clients who had acquired  material   wealth (due to their intense focus on such a pursuit and nothing else)  I am still very happy and contented with my life, and  whatever ending this life might  be.  For that I consider myself lucky, blessed abundantly and  eternally grateful to my own God.

          Yes, the most happy people, we were  was told in one spiritual retreat, arethe Grateful People, who are contented with what they have and never got jealous with others who may have more.  Our own individual blessings are unique and different from each other. Some are endowed with great looks but not much intelligence or vice versa.  Some are born of rich parents, many are not.   Some never tasted the pangs of hunger, many have.  Knowing fully well  my own humble beginnings and where I am now,  I am indeed  blessed and cannot ask for more.

           With these entries into my own “diary”, I will end the  summer 2011. Someday, these personal sharings and reflection  will be read by my own grandchildren and will  hopefully make them think deeper that may  influence their own philosophy in their own life feel.  

          To all my readers,   I wish you had a great summer and now ready to experience for another Season – Fall and Winter ---  of your lives, as I am.

         Have a great weekend everyone!  See you next month!

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Email:  ernie.delfin@gmail.com   or  drbannatiran@yahoo.com

THE FEDERATION OF FILIPINO ROSARY GROUPS - ORANGE COUNTY CELEBRATES 20TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY

THE FEDERATION OF FILIPINO ROSARY GROUPS - ORANGE COUNTY CELEBRATES 20^TH  YEAR ANNIVERSARY

“For where your treasure is,  there also will your heart be.”

                                                                              Luke 12:34

           It’s  been said that any American,  or  any non-Filipino for that matter, can easily  understand or educate himself about the Filipino people (and in turn, be loved and trusted by the latter) if he learns and accepts what ingredients that make up his  DNA as a Filipino.   In my almost almost 40 years in America,  I have concocted theFive F’s that make the Filipino-American a “true” Filipino:   Family, Friends, Fiesta, Food and Faith.  The first four are very  tangible that are quite evident in all  Filipino gatherings,  from baptismal parties to funeral services. Culturally, families and friends  always gather and food is always in the center table served in a fiesta-like environment  as part of  their tradition and religion  generally speaking, as Catholics. About 85% of Filipinos are Christians and the vast majority of them are Catholics.  The last one, Faith (religion) is neither as visible nor palatable as the others, and is the topic of today’s column.

          With that as a background,   it’s not surprising that the over 30,000 Filipino-Americans, in Orange County’s  34  cities, have banded together to practice their “Filipinoness” to be able to practice their culture and their Catholic faith. With a close-knit community and word-of-mouth marketing, these first generation families  have successfully grown to a sizable group of 6 county-wide chapters with 27 geographical areas that eventually became what is now known as the Federation of Filipino Rosary Groups of Orange County (FFRG-OC) that was established as a non-profit religious organization twenty years ago.  The 52 families that make up one area commit to host the statue Blessed Virgin Mary at least one week a year and  the family promises to pray the rosary  before her daily. At  the end of that 7 day period ,  the host family prepares  a simple dinner (sometimes elaborate one to celebrate an event in thehost family)  for all the  area member-participants  to enjoy that   weekly prayer and ritual of transferring  the Blessed Virgin Mary statue  to another family.

           A flashback of FFRG-OC history:  In 1991, the initial group of devotees of theBlessed Virgin Mary numbers just a couple  dozen families and became the first  Orange County Chapter of the Federation of Filipino Rosary Groups-Los Angeles, under the directorship of Irene Alzate, who continues to be an active leader of theFederation to this date.  In 1993,  in just three short years,  the chapter grew to about 19 areas, and the leaders have successfully   convinced  the “mother” federation in LA that Orange County  can also become a viable,  independent  federation.  This resulted into  having its own legal corporate non-profit entity as F.F.R.G.-Orange County in April 1993.  As the influx of Filipino immigrant and Catholic families into Orange County experienced dramatic growth,  this social and religious group that honors  the Blessed Virgin Mary in its  center stage continued to grow in the last few decades that now consists over  1,300 families across Orange County. After Irene Alzate,  FFRG has been guided by its unselfish volunteers and indefatigable presidents  coming from different cities of Orange County, to wit:  Art Diaz, Mel Gallardo, Joe Arevalo, Jorge Fuentes,  Zita Sevilla,  Elizer Ruiz, and Lino Aldana.  

          This year,  FFRG celebrates its two decades of existence with a county wide celebration and yes, another “fiesta-atmosphere” aka   weekend dinner-dance  on Saturday, August 24, 2013 at the Crown Plaza Hotel and Resort in Garden Grove, California, just south of the “happiest place on earth”, known as Disneyland!   Theevent is filled with some speeches or testimonials and  especial presentations like the“cotillion”  where the participant FFRG members have invested many precious hours just practicing their dance numbers for the audience to enjoy and remember.   Furthermore, to raise funds to support some of their religious programs like their Annual Retreat, Rosary Rally or the Fiesta ni Maria   and the Simbang Gabi during Christmas time, there will also be a  silent auction of valuable donated  items that any one can bid during the event.  As this is the only major event of the Federation this year,  the officers expect about 700 guests will join this  20^th Anniversary celebration.

* ** *

        A COMMENTARY AS A MEMBER OF FFRG:    As a resident of Orange County for over 30 years myself,  I have witnessed the metamorphosis of this  religious group led by first generation Filipino Americans who are “gracefully” aging (like wine?) and have  started new careers as  “APOstolic” workers as they have become grandparents themselves.  As a member in our own   OC NorthWest area of FFRG,  and active volunteer  in my own parish Peace and  Justice Ministry as well as the Diocesan Prison Detention Ministry,  I personally commend the efforts, the energy and time of all theFFRG leaders and volunteers.  These volunteers have unselfishly given their time and talents that contributed greatly to the enhancement  of the spiritual life-quadrant of thousands of  Filipino families. Due to the active affiliation of the different FFRG areas in their respective parishes,  the presence of Filipino American Catholics has been  felt and acknowledged by no less than the Orange County Bishop Tod Brown, especially when the federation has successfully raised funds of over $10,000 that was donated tothe OC Diocese in conjunction with the historic purchase of the  Crystal Cathedral that is now named as the future Christ Cathedral in the City of Garden Grove.  Thepresence and significance of Fil-Am Catholics will continue to be recognized throughout the diocese  because of the active participation of FFRG members in their local parishes in the  practice of their faith.

             However,  FFRG’s  continued life as a religious group  is now faced with a perennial challenge how to involve or inspire  the second or third generation of Filipinos Americans to be more involved and committed to participate actively. The  vast majority of FFRG  members  are now in their 60’s or even older and in 20 years or so,  the 1300 plus families who are committed doing the weekly Rosary Prayer groups will most likely decrease dramatically, and eventually the Federation may become distinct like thedinosaur, unless some miracles may happen soon.   Sharing ideas with some FFRG leaders,  I have learned that there are various  factors why this  predicament is happening and unfortunately there is no one practical solution to this problem to makethe young Filipino Americans more involved.  

             As a parent myself to two American born children (and now with two very young granddaughters)  I understand that the world of the second or third generation is now much different than our world as first degree immigrants.  Their priorities and values (somewhat) are no longer the same.  That being said, FFRG leadership must ask their children how FFRG can also contribute to their family life or spiritual life, if there is any,  through formal or informal survey and from there,  a more meaningful  and  relevant program can be created to match what they desire (if any).  I still have great hope and faith  that there will always be a residual, like the fine sand left in theriver bed, that remains in the life of our children, values  that were internalized in their formative  lives since they were born and cradled in our own homes until they flew fromthe parental nests.   The question, however, is:  Can the first generation parents leave something to their children that they do not have in the first place?   Only God and theperson concerned would know the real answer!

         Lastly,  I must say that FFRG-OC is trying its best to accomplish its mission and objectives in the 4^th quadrant of a good  life according to the America’s  guru,  Steven R. Covey, in his  best selling book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, “to live a full and balanced life,  we must consciously touch until it becomes a habit  all thenecessary QUADRANTS  of good life:  PHYSICAL (to live),  MENTAL (to learn) SOCIAL (to love) and SPIRITUAL (to leave a legacy).

           With that,  MABUHAY “ FFRG-ORANGE COUNTY!

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Email columnist:  ernie.delfin@gmail.com  or drbannatiran@yahoo.com     

TO LIVE, TO LEARN, TO LOVE, AND TO LEAVE A LEGACY: A PRESCRIPTION FOR A JOYFUL AND FULFILLING LIFE

THE METAMORPHOSIS

By

Ernie D. Delfin

TO LIVE,  TO LEARN, TO LOVE,  AND  TO LEAVE A LEGACY:

A PRESCRIPTION FOR A  JOYFUL AND FULFILLING LIFE

                     Six decades and 5 years ago this month of July, I first saw the light of day in an unpolluted village called Anis, in the town of Laoac (formerly part  Manaoag, the  town made famous by the Blessed Virgin Mary’s apparition hundred years ago),  as the second child of seven (and first born son) of my simple but hardworking farmer-father and my vendor-mother who are  both  deceased,  joining my two sisters (the eldest and the 4^th child)  who died even before them, and my youngest sister joining them a few years ago  to the Life Beyond.    With that brief  family background,  I am quite grateful to my God and Creator, that I have reached this age, reasonably healthy,  enjoying life’s comfort  with a loving family that includes a son EJ and my daughter Donna (with her engineer husband Tri)  who just gave us our first  apo (grandchild)  a year ago. Life is indeed a precious gift from God and what we do with it  is our gift  to God.    Now, without the normal  pressures of professional and business work,  there is more time in a week for me to do many things that makes my waking hours even go faster than.        

                   Like some retired people, it seems that we are now busier than when we were working!  Nevertheless, my activities are really getting more  exciting  although they are no longer measured by the inflows of dollars into our bank accounts.  Life continues to be exciting depending on what we do with it. For instance,  my wife and I are looking forward to  a totally new experience, a bold adventure, travelling to  Europe by ourselves, to be hosted by fellow Rotarians in Vienna, Lodon and Paris  as a member of our International Travel and Hosting Fellowship (ITHF).  In Rome,  my Dominican nun sister is also helping us to be special guests in  their Dominican Sisters House in Rome.    In the past, we were the hosts and also enjoyed the experience. As guests  in a foreign land for the first time,   with full trust and faith in the goodness of others,   adds to our excitement,  that may also bring  us  some serendipitous moments along the way.

                 To be happy and fulfilled is one of  man’s  innate cravings.     I still vividly remember a seminar I participated over 30 years ago where the  speaker gave a   formula  to be truly happy is  simply to have an equilibrium  of all our human activities during our entire life.  Theseminar creator, Dr. Steven R. Covey, the author of the best seller “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People”    opined that in order for a person to  have a well balanced life,  he  must consciously integrate  the essential quadrants into his life, namely:  the Physical Quadrant (TO LIVE) Mental Quadrant (TO LEARN)  Social Quadrant (TO LOVE) and Spiritual Quadrant (TO LEAVE A LEGACY).

            Like most professionals and businesspeople, in the   earlier years of  our careers or professions,   I  too was very much preoccupied in  working hard and long to  live and learning to get a degree while working.  With a business degree and CPA license,  I even worked harder  to reach  my own  dreams and also to  fulfill some  suppressed desires of my faded  youth:the  “earthly” games and adventures   that my rich classmates in Letran College were already enjoying  then.    Working hard and long for over 40 years  allowed me  to live  comfortably now,  but those years  left me barely enough time to get really  involved in civic work (the last two quadrants of a meaningful life) in  giving back to my own community, locally and internationally.

       Now in my 60’s  I think I am now making up with  those “missed” opportunities to love more (social work) and to leave a legacy (spiritual work nor necessarily religious).  With a redirected focus what is truly important thing worth doing,   I believe that I can contribute more time and energy in a true Service Above Self or be a Man for Others as St. Ignatius of Loyola described it.  For that blessing alone,  I am eternally  grateful to my God that I have lived this long, longer than my own father’s life on this earth.      

          On a nostalgic note, once we  the retreatants in a Franciscan Retreat Center   were asked who do we think are the genuinely happiest people?   Responses  were varied and many: good health , enough money,   good family,  successful career, world travel. etc etc.   Lo and behold we had it all wrong, according to this Franciscan retreat master-friar!  He said that themost happy people are the GRATEFUL people.  Grateful for what they are, how they are and what they have,  without complaining what they “lack” in this life.  At this stage of my life, I now believe it is indeed true.  This philosophy made me realize  now  why my only living sister Sor. Letty, a Dominican nun for almost 30 years now,  is definitely happier and more fulfilled  despite that fact that she has almost no material possessions like a car, house or  a retirement money compared to many of us who often worry about these things to make us “happier” by not worrying  about tomorrow.  

          It is sometimes difficult to make sense of all these life’s philosophies but  then  I console myself by  reflecting on an old poster in my home office that says “Life is a mystery to be lived,  and not a problem to be solved!”  Probably I am just rationalizing too much about my own life’s journey  to this day!

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         While we are into this topics of  “Leaving a Legacy and to be a Man for Others”,  I invitethe my readers to  visit our www.gkerotaryclub3780.org  about our Global Kalinga e-Rotary Club that I just founded this summer, as one effective and proven way to render a true Service Above Self.  As a Rotarian for about 15 years now, I find that Rotary International is an excellent vehicle to do humanitarian service because through it, one’s efforts are compounded a thousand times throughout the world.  One of the oldest organizations in theworld, Rotary is 106 years old with over 1.3 million members in  about 200 countries and territories throughout the world. With matching grants from the Rotary Foundation,  one’s contribution to alleviate poverty or any humanitarian project can be multiplied many times over.

           Our new GK e-Rotary Club is embarking  some ambitious long term project in thePhilippines that was never been done before  on a national scale. It will be our flagship project called Entrepreneurship Development for Socioeconomic Advancement (EDSA) Training Seminars for the Filipino  YOUTH.  Rotary  experience in other countries,  that  out of 100 students going through this Entrepreneurship Training,  20 go into their own business, who in turn employ 4-6 employees each entrepreneur,  is very encouraging!  It is our hope that this project (where we can train, mentor the young entrepreneurs and even help capitalize the best business plans of the students)   can make a dent on the massive unemployment of our youth, to reverse the trend of millions of  people, including college graduates,   leaving the country to do menial jobs,  maids and helpers in foreign lands where many are exploited and maltreated or even sexually abused.     This is  our big dream in unchartered waters, but we have theexperience and the unselfish  passion to do it.  But we  still need  more  supporters (morally and financially)  to make it a reality.   God willing, we can start implementing this project  by next year.

          If you, dear reader, would like to inquire about the details,   just email this columnist, and I personally will  send you a brochure  or answer your questions that you may have. These projects will have no pecuniary benefits for  us,  volunteers but we are doing it for humanitarian reason to follow our Rotarian’s motto of Service Above Self, Reaching Within To Embrace Humanity!

          We hope to get some support from others to make this bold gargantuan project possible.  If you are moved, please help our GKeRotary, to help us  help others.  Thank you and  God bless us all!

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The Metamorphosis’ Food for Thought this  week:

        The Dalai Lama was asked what surprised him the most; he said, "Man, because he sacrifices his health in order to make money. Then he sacrifices money to recuperate his health. And then he is so anxious about the future that he does not enjoy the present; the result being that he does not live in thepresent or the future. He lives as if he is never going to die, then he dies having never really lived.

       A noted theologian C.S. Lewis wrote, “Aim at Heaven and you will get Earth thrown in. Aim at Earth and you get neither.”  

Email:   ernie.delfin@gmail.com,  drbannatiran@yahoo.com

“NEVER CHOOSE YOUR ROLE MODELS AND HEROES LIGHTLY!”

“NEVER  CHOOSE YOUR ROLE MODELS

AND HEROES LIGHTLY!”

                   “Where there is no vision, the people perish”

                                                                                  Proverbs 29:18

             The month of June has arrived,  the beginning of another  summer, and also the end of another school year in  the United States   when thousands of our young people  graduate from elementary, high school or university.  Many families have  children, nephews and nieces graduating,  and the graduation parties that follow are a good reason to get together and celebrate.  Although education is  becoming a very expensive commodity, but then, try ignorance!  The lack of  good and  solid education will  be ultimately more “expensive”  and probably  more disastrous to any young person’s  future.

             It’s been half a century since my own high school batch graduated from  the only Catholic high school, Holy Rosary Academy, run by the Franciscan sisters, then (now a Dominican college, affiliated with UST and Letran  University) of  our town of Manaoag, Pangasinan, Philippines.   The last  50 years,   I have witnessed the evolution of the education system both in the Philippines and   in the USA and in many respects the quality of education  has deteriorated.  I know I am not alone in this conclusion  as I shared my observations with many friends and contemporaries, especially if we were to compare the present crop of our  graduates with their counterparts in Japan, Singapore or Taiwan.

              In our Rotary travels to these countries,  we have observed that their school system takes their children’s education more seriously than we do in the USA or in the Philippines.  Their schools expect and demand more focus and  rigid discipline in  subjects  that matter most: reading, writing, math, engineering and sciences. In Japan, school children spend much more time in schools studying than playing sports  or engaging in  extra-curricular activities. To our surprise,  the students even in elementary grades were even assigned to help clean their classrooms on a rotation  basis,  hence there were  less janitors or custodians  hired to maintain them! 

* * *

        My baby boomers generation (born between 1946 and  1964) seems  oceans apart from the current  millennial generation in so many respects.  Our generation became the beneficiaries of our parents’ generation who worked very hard and practiced in ‘Saving for the Rainy Days” philosophy  and generally speaking  my generation  sacrificed or struggled less  to obtain  our education that our parent’s generation.  By extension,  our children’s  generation  has become the YOLO (You Only Live Once) generation.  I shudder to think what will their own children become if this  trend continues. Twenty five years from now, there will be another billion or more people inhabiting this planet, resulting to keener competition for fewer opportunities and consuming declining resources that are being produced.    Will the Malthusian theory on population that  opines that the exponential increase in population (while food production increases only arithmetically)  can only be checked by war and famine  visit future generations?    

           NOW,  let me go back to the heart of my intended topic,   MY CHALLENGE TO THE YOUTH, ESPECIALLYTHE NEW GRADUATES, as they prepare to  enter into the real world  to earn a living and then  sooner or later, to start their own families too.     

              I had my fair share listening to many commencement speakers from politicians, community leaders, church leaders, authors and intellectuals  to business giants.  I also had been invited to speak before a few commencement exercises in the past two decades in California and in the Philippines.     

              If I have my wish,  commencement speakers should be delivered by people of substance in the likes of heroes and real achievers who  have impacted the world, like  Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa, Mahatma Gandhi, Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, Albert Einstein, Steve Jobs or Bill Gates, and not just elected politicians, government bureaucrats or pseudo intellectuals.

           I read that many commencement speakers  left almost nothing to remember after they have delivered their “commencement” advice,  a few years or even a  weeks after they are delivered.  The few times I had the honor of being invited as a commencement speaker,  I still vividly remember my theme:   “NEVER CHOOSE YOUR ROLE MODELS AND HEROES LIGHTLY” to the graduates not only in their chosen careers but also throughout their life’s journey.

         Allow me to elaborate. 

         Our choice of heroes and role models can leave  indelible marks in our lives.  We become what we want to become largely because of the people and ideals  we pattern our lives after. Even the Good Book says:  “Where your treasure is, is where your heart be!”  It’s been proven that there are  primarily only two factors that can mold our lives:  the people  that we  associate with constantly and  the kinds of  books we continue to read even after school.  They are  the water and fertilizer that contribute greatly to our growth as  human beings.

              I was a teenager in 1961  when a young charismatic  leader,  John Fitzgerald Kennedy  was inaugurated asthe 35^th U.S. president.  As a visionary leader,  JFK established the Peace Corps and started the exploration of thespace that eventually landed a man on the moon.  His immortal admonition to his countrymen “Ask not what your country can do for you, rather ask what you can do for your country” still reverberates  to this day, and  I believe, that that advice is  more needed today  to reverse more and more takers than givers especially in the  government social programs (aka dole-outs) the last  several decades!

           These days,     critical thinking and high,   lofty  goals  among the YOLO

generation have dramatically declined.  Recent statistics about the aspirations of

many students are disheartening when you analyze and ponder  that a  majority of

university students would love to work for the government as “civil servants” rather

than in business or entrepreneurship,  or in  research and development  

laboratories.  In the Philippines,  even the  Cardinal Luis G. “ Chito”Tagle of the

Archdiocese of Manila  narrated his dismay in his book ‘Easter People: Living Community’ .  Quote: “ I was talking with a young woman who had just graduated from college. I asked her, “What is your dream in life?” “Father, my dream is I want to have the best cell phone available!” You call that a dream? If that is a dream, you will not have energy, for that the type of dream that will stir in us the flames of energy!”   HOW SAD!

              Many young Filipino students’ role models and heroes have become a

laughing  matter as they wanted to be like their aunts, sister or cousins who are

domestic helpers or nannies or caregivers in Italy or Hong Kong or caretakers in the

USA or Canada.    Some of their role “models”who have made to Congress are

college dropouts, basketball players, comedians and actors!   Dollars  and consumer

products have become the number one magnets  that influence their career paths

           To all  students and graduates everywhere,  my challenge and admonition to you and  your generation:    “Aim high and pursue lofty goals even when they seem impossible to reach.  Do not equate success with  just money as the sole criterion.   Many people have rich bank account, but do not live a rich life. Never be contented of the status quo  and just become  lackadaisical consumers of what others have produced.   As you  continue your life journey, there will be  many forks in the road, some roads are already paved where you probably do not have to exert much  effort to move forward,  but that road may not lead you anywhere that is challenging,  meaningful and rewarding.  Go where the road has not been cleared, instead make a trail for others to follow.  Your library is filled with thousands of stories or biographies of great men adwomen who have done exactly that   Let their life stories inspire and give you a true north compass to guide you.   Never, never  CHOOSE YOUR HEROES  OR ROLE MODELS   LIGHTLY!”    Find one  who is worth following so that 50 years from now, you will never regret and say “My life had no meaning, after  realizing that you were just existing and not living your full potential and have not contributed much to improve the quality of life for  the next generation  on this Planet Earth!  My hope and prayer is that you will also leave this world a better place than how  you found it!”

             Good luck and  May the Omnipotent Lord guide you in your  journey and may your life be filled with purpose and meaning!    

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The Metamorphosis’  Empowering Thoughts for today:

     THE SEVEN SINS IN THE WORLD

                       According to Mahatma Gandhi

1.     Wealth without work.

2.     Pleasure without conscience.

3.     Knowledge without character.

4.     Commerce without morality.

5.     Science without humanity.

6.     Worship without sacrifice

7.     Politics without principles

Email writer at:   ernie.delfin@gmail.com  

Visit:   www. rotaryeclubGlobalKalingaD3780.org