Rehearsal for Heaven 2008

by Elma Lou Roda

The awaited for Roda Family reunion had come and gone. It was a good one. We wished there were more in attendance. This write-up is for those of you who missed the reunion, with copies to those who were in attendance.

On Wednesday, August 6, Darrell, Shar and Jaiden took us (Pros and I) to the Reagan-Washington Airport, bound for San Diego. They could not join the reunion because the baby girl has been making it known that she wants to come out now, causing Shar to have contractions now and then – thus, it was not advisable for Shar to travel.

At the San Diego International airport, my sister Emmeline and her husband (Kuya Ben Flores) were there waiting for our arrival. We stayed at the hotel where Kuya Ben works at (which is just about 12 miles away from the Best Western Seven Seas, the main venue of the reunion) which offers daily complimentary continental breakfast. Next day, Kuya Ben accompanied us in getting our rental car. Rodel and Charity arrived Thursday evening and checked in at the same hotel where we were.

On Thursday morning, Pros and I went to the Sheraton hotel where Cheryl and her three sons were staying (Cheryl and family had been in San Diego for one and a half weeks already but too bad Kenton could not stay for the reunion, because of work), then we all went to Manong Tommy and Manang Cion’s place. Their children and grandchildren were there. After lunch, Rose, Cheryl, Mike, Luella, Art and I finished preparing the button name tags, the registration folders and the plastic bottles of water. Siena and Justin helped also. Then Cheryl and Mike left to pick up the T-shirts. As we were leaving to go to the Best Western Hotel Seven Seas, Ate Linda Rivera (neighbor of Ng Cion & Nong Tommy) came to see us but we didn’t have enough time to talk.


Pros and I proceeded to the Hospitality Suite at Room 339 which was the first venue of the reunion. I started handing out the Registration Sheets to be filled up by the attendees, and gave out the button name tags and Registration folders. It was late when we started the first get-together which was a worship service led by Alvin – he distributed printed songs that he compiled and we sang with the accompaniment of Mike Mirasol on his clarinet. Betsy welcomed everyone and thanked those who helped her put the reunion together. Alvin recognized and thanked Ayee, Betsy, Rose, Cheryl and me for our involvement with the planning of the reunion. Cheryl explained the logo on the banner which was designed by Beryl (who could not join the reunion). Beryl used the same colors assigned to the three families during the last reunion 9 years back: In addition to the white “r”, there’s the red “o”, yellow “d” and blue “a” – the last three letters were joined together like rings connected to each other, signifying the unity of the three Roda families of Alvaro, Antonino and Leon, respectively. The theme of the 2008 reunion “Rehearsal for Heaven” appeared on the logo. Betsy explained that she got this theme from one of her Dad’s letter to her. This same logo appeared also on the button name tags, on the front of the registration folders, on the top of the Registration sheets, on the plastic drinking water bottles, and on the T-shirts.

At the worship service, before Manong Al offered the benediction, he gave a short spiritual message. There were some snacks after the worship, and many stayed awhile to visit some more with each other.

Rose provided hot pan de sal every morning, with other breakfast food too. Friday was a free-for-all day, with each one or family doing activities of their own choosing – going to attraction places, shopping, etc. Orville and Erli drove us (Pros and Charity were with us too) to the church so Rodel and I could practice our piano and organ duets for the church service the next day. Then we went back to the hotel to rest, and later Pros and I ate supper at an Italian restaurant.

The vespers service was held at the hotel’s Lord Jim Banquet Room. Alvin led the song service with Olive on the keyboard. Special numbers were instrumental duet by Mike Mirasol with his clarinet and Kylo with his saxophone, and a song solo by Sheryl Macaraeg. Pros gave some testimony or history of the three Roda brothers – how they were involved in the pioneering days of the Seventh-Day Adventist church in the Philippines, emphasizing the legacy started by them, hopefully to be kept on going. Manong Turing was the key speaker during the service (he also mentioned some history in addition to his message). The G-3 members sang the favorite song of Papang Alvaro, "Face to Face With Christ My Saviour."


Somehow before the vespers started, Pros was having chest pain and we had no medicines, and we didn’t know where to find a drug store on the way from our hotel to the Seven Seas. Thinking that his chest pain was caused by the food he ate, Pros called Manong Tommy asking where we could buy medicines. He said he had those medicines Pros asked for, so Manong Tommy brought along the medicines, which Pros took. When Manong Al arrived, he also had the medicines Pros wanted, so he gave to Pros and Pros took several. He had some relief, but he was so pale. I alerted Boy Arevalo about the condition of Pros so he could be on the look-out for his Uncle Pros. We feared that Pros was developing heart attack, so when it was time for Pros to do his part at the front, Cheryl requested Ng Pancing and Betsy to stand behind Pros while he was giving his “testimony.” When Manong Turing was doing his part, Ng Pancing approached me and asked if I had oxygen for Pros because she said Pros was having some difficulty breathing. So, Boy and I went to the front row where Pros was seated, to check on him. Pros said he was all right.

After the vespers, there were more exchange of greetings and visiting with each other before we all went back to the Hospitality Suite for light supper prepared by Rose and her associates. Pros continued to have chest pain and also pain on the back. He was massaged by Orville and Erika. Calina gave him 3 tablets of aspirin which at first Pros hesitated to take, saying he took already his daily dose of it, but Calina was able to persuade him to take the three tablets. When we were back at the hotel, Pros right away hit the bed and had a good sleep. In the morning when he woke up, he said he felt better with no more pains.

On Sabbath morning, after partaking of the continental breakfast served at the hotel, we left to go to the Fil-Am SDA Church where the participants for the Hour of Worship were all from the Roda clan: Sermon by Ann (Alne) on ”What Do You Expect?”, pianist was Rodel with me as the organist and Ng Cion as chorister, Andy gave Welcome Remarks, Betsy gave the Children’s story with the aid of puppets which was enjoyed by young and old, Mike Mirasol played his clarinet during offertory accompanied by Rose on the piano, Edwina played the French Horn accompanied by her Mom Betty and Orly sang a solo and played the violin accompanied by Cora on the piano, Boy Arevalo gave the scripture reading and intercessory prayer, Cecile sang a solo for the special number with her Mom Cora on the piano.

After the church service, we joined the church members at the potluck lunch held at the Fellowship Hall. There was food galore. It was good to meet other friends especially the sisters of Loree (Tita Rada, Marlene and Nida Villanueva) and Manong Nestor & Manang Zelle Zamora.

Then we rested for a while before the afternoon program. I helped Art and Jojo prepare pictures of the departed members to be shown as a slide show in the afternoon program. In my photo albums I had only pictures of the Alvaro family members, but I was able to get pictures from Ng Lydia, Rodel, Betty and Cora for members from their families. I put up the Roda Family Tree on the front wall with the help of Mike Mirasol, and Siena and Aaron helped me tape some pieces that were loose.

We went back to the church sanctuary for the afternoon program. After the musical parts, Betsy started with recollecting stories of the past and the story of the sack of rice was continued and finished by Manong Al, and Pros followed with the story of the 2 gallons of water. Thinking that Manang Esther was the oldest member present, she was given time to talk and recollect. Then the “In Remembrance Of” slide show of the departed members was presented: first was the group picture showing five brothers = Sergio, Leon, Alvaro, Antonino and Rosario; followed by pictures of Papang Alvaro & Mamang Memang, Tata Tony & Nana Mameng, Manang Ely & husband Walter Roeder, Manong David, Manong Calion Zarate, Manong Andrew Edwin, Manong Ben Sanidad, and Manong Johnny. Unintentionally, not shown in pictures were Manang Norma Tauro Roda, Sandra Roda Slayter, Tata Leon and Nana Maria.

“Lighting Generation Candles” followed. Alne had six white candles on a table at the front, to represent the six generations. She called Manang Esther to represent the first and second generations, thus lighting the first candle, then lighting the second candle. All the third generation (G-3) present were called to the front (Charity, Pros, Cion, Pancing, Rodel, Esther, Ng Lydia represented Manong Poncing, Charing, Kate represented Nong David, Al and Beb. Turing had stepped out). Presumed being the oldest, Ng Esther was also the one who lighted the candle representing the G-3 group.

Next, the G-4 group was called to the front and Cora as the oldest, lighted the candle representing the group. The Generation 5 (G-5) was led by Donn Torres as the oldest in the group, thus he lighted the candle representing the group. The Generation 6 had Zachary Ravadilla lighting the candle for their group. Then the Generations 5 and 6 were asked to line the middle aisle of the church while the rest of the family members stood on the sides along the inner ends of the pew, and they placed their hands on the shoulders of the Generations 5 and 6 members while prayer was offered by Manong Al blessing these younger generations. It was a solemn time and very touching.

From the church, we went back to the Fellowship Hall for the big buffet supper prepared mainly by Manang Cion, Manang Pancing and Rose with help of others. There was abundance of food with several kinds of “kakanins.” Each table for eating was covered with plastic blue tablecloth with a smaller square tablecloth in red or in yellow over the center, and there was a vase of flowers on each table too.

The 50th wedding anniversary of Manong Al and Ng Nellie was celebrated with thick layers of sampaguita leis for each of them as they went to the front, a wedding anniversary cake, and their granddaughter Ayla singing “Dahil Sa ‘Yo” accompanied by Manong Nestor on the keyboard. Giant chocolate bars with special made to order Giant HERSHEY BAR covers created expressly for the 50th Anniversary occasion, were distributed to all, compliments of the Zamoras – the same ones they distributed at the real anniversary celebration last June 15 in Maryland.

The August birthday celebrants had also their own birthday cake and they were called to the front stating their ages: Kylo Cautivar, Paz Ravadilla, Wayne Corros, Eddie, and Carol. Going to be 85 years old in September 27, Manong Turing was included as a special birthday celebrant. We all sang the birthday song for the celebrants.

The Roda Family Celebration Time followed, starting with me explaining the Family Tree (on a white felt backdrop measuring 70 inches wide and 105 inches high). I made a similar one 9 years ago for the first reunion which was made of paper. This time I used felt for everything – thanks to an earlier suggestion from Calina. Within the last nine years, there were several additions to the family either by marriage or by birth (and a few deaths), so I had to update the tree. Names of divorced spouses were in brackets, plus an “S” for those Separated, and the letter “D” followed the names of deceased members. The main light brown trunk of the big tree represents the patriarch Juan Demaya Roda (G-1) and the twelve light brown big branches with red-numbered names represents his children (three from his first wife and 9 from his second wife) = these are the second generation. The 25 names of the third generation are on dark brown felt and the 68 fourth generations are on dark green felt. The 93 names of the fifth generation are on light green leaves and the 22 names of the sixth generation are on dark pink buds or fruits. The two set of twins (Sanidads and Bautistas) appears with two light green leaf attached at the base while 3 babies on the way had a picture of a baby on the light green leaf or on the dark pink bud for Baby Myers (Vanessa Corros & Arthur Myers), Baby Sinco (Ray Sinco & Beatrice Paterson), and Baby Girl Roda (Darrell & Shar). A 4th baby on the way is Baby Ravadilla (Alan Ravadilla & Kathy Miranda). There is a total of 221 names in the Tree. I also explained the connection of the family to the Edralins and to the former President Marcos.

113 were present at the reunion. Everyone participated on the next part, the “introductions time” – where families were called by Cheryl to the front, and each one introduced himself/herself, stating where they live and telling “something your parents don’t know about you.”

1. Betty & Edwin Rao and daughter Edwina

2. Cora & Lito Coo, daughter Cecile Cruz with children Sophia and Elisha

3. Tita’s family was complete, with husband Romie, sons Donn and Val, Val’s wife Andrea and their daughter Sydney Grace Torres
4. Fe & Fiel Poblete, their daughter Andrea and granddaughter Alexandra
5. Boie and Helen Arevalo
6. Emiline & Wilson Corros and son Wayne

7. Sylvia & Alex Ramirez, daughter Sharon and their son Allen
8. Annie Arevalo

Photo left: Edwina Rao and Andrea Poblete; Photo right: Sophia Cruz and Alexandra Poblete

NOTE THAT ALL THE SEVEN AREVALO CHILDREN WERE PRESENT!
L-R: Ng Lydia, Andy & wife Loree, Andrea, Alfonso, Ellysa; Chloe (daughter of) Michelle & Reginald (and son Sebastien)
9. Ng Lydia Roda, son Andy & wife Loree with their 3 children: Alfonso, Andrea & Ellysa; son Reginald & wife Michelle with their children Chloe & Sebastien.
BONG, MITCHI, CHLOE & SEBASTIEN WORE MATCHING OUTFITS OF BLUE FABRIC WITH THE SAME DESIGN.

10. Nong Turing & Manang Masing Roda, with children Carol and Eddie


11. Manang Kate & Werner Hildebrand, with three children and their families (THEIR FAMILY WAS COMPLETE):


Betsy & Rodney Jabola, and their son Andrew;
Greg & Franca Roda;
Beverly & Mike Zumpano, with their 3 children = Michael, Meagan & Danielle

12. Ng Esther Sanidad with two children and their families:
Orly & Josie Sanidad
Paz & Ed Ravadilla, daughters Ria and Irene, Irene’s husband Apollo Semella and
their sons Zachary and Trystan
Granddaughter Sheryl Macaraeg

13. Ng Charing Zerate with daughters Calina and Zally & husband Sam Schulstad

14. Manong Al & Ng Nellie Roda, Alne & Jose Hernandez, Alvin & Erika Roda and their daughters Ayla, Brielle and Celine. THEIR FAMILY WAS COMPLETE!

15. Ng Cion & Nong Tommy Mirasol = THEIR FAMILY WAS ALSO COMPLETE!
Art & Karen Mirasol and children Daniel and Aaron
Rose Mirasol

Mike & Luella Mirasol and children Siena and Luke

16. Ng Pancing Idrisalman with daughters and families:
Erli & Orville Cautivar, children Kylo, Kenneth and Kalee;
Leri and daughter Irel Idrisalman
THEIR FAMILY WAS ALSO COMPLETE AND THEY WERE ALL IN RED!

17. Pros & Lou Roda, with daughter Cheryl Wu and her three sons = Kevin, Justin and Brian
(5 year old Justin and even 2-year old Brian introduced themselves!)
18. Beb Bautista and daughter Olive with two sons = Rico and Marco

19. Leon (Jojo) & Alisa Roda and their children Andrew and Kara
20. Rodel Meier
21. Charity Lim

After the introductions, we were entertained by the Roda Orchestra organized and conducted by Alvin, composed of: Irel (cello), Kylo (saxophone), Rico (saxophone), Mike Mirasol (clarinet), Andrew Roda (trumpet), Fonz (guitar), Donn (bass), Cecille (violin), Edwina (French horn), and Celine (drums). We enjoyed listening to the several songs they played.


The midget skit was a fun part. This was organized by Olive, with Wayne Corros and Andrea Poblete as narrators. Ayla, Brielle, Celine, Siena, Rico and Marco did their parts well. You have to be present to enjoy it. Next we were entertained by the interpretive dance performed by Sharon Ramirez on “I Wanna Dance with Somebody.”

Ayee lead a short business meeting and it was voted to have the family reunion every three years, with the next one in Toronto in 2011.

Bouquets of roses were given by Alne & Jose in appreciation: to Ayee for starting the ball rolling in planning for the reunion; to Betsy for being the over-all Coordinator of the whole reunion, to Rose for all the help in coordinating as well as preparing the registration folders and taking care of snacks, light supper and daily breakfast, etc; to Cheryl for helping behind the scenes and coordinating the Sabbath evening program; to Lou for taking time to do the Family Tree; to Ng Cion and Ng Pancing for doing a lot of cooking starting two or three weeks before the date of the reunion; to Alvin for being in charge of music. Cheryl recognized Art, Jojo and Greg's contribution. NOTE THAT THE TWO DENTISTS IN THE FAMILY ARE ALSO PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS = Jojo and Greg were busy in the back room taking pictures of each family and each individual, complete with backdrop cloth and two umbrellas just like you see at photo studios! Art helped in putting the pictures together, with the plan of having the Family Tree in pictures. I can’t wait to see their finished product.

All the 100 T-shirts ordered, with the Roda reunion logo on the front, got sold (one saved to be kept in archives), and all five books of “The Gift of Choice” that Pros and I took along, were given away. A basket was passed around for donations for expenses and a good sum was collected.



To close the evening’s program, we all gathered in a big circle and while holding hands we sang “Blest Be the Tie That Binds”. After the first stanza, I took the microphone and lead in singing the last stanza by vocalizing the words or sentences followed by all singing it. The words of the last stanza are very fitting to end the affair:

“As we asunder part
It gives us inward pain,
But we shall still be joined in heart
And hope to meet again.”



The night's event was closed with the prayer offered by Alne. While the tables, chairs and everything were being cleared, the children enjoyed doing tinikling (Cheryl and Donn were supposed to do this during the program) with Emiline playing the music on the piano and Wilson directing them how to do it. My grandsons Kevin and Justin participated while 2 year old Brian watched for a long time, and finally participated too! I had fun watching him.

Sunday morning, everyone gathered at the Hospitality Suite for the hot pan de sal and other food and to say their goodbyes. The scheduled picnic had been canceled, so everyone went their own way.

In the afternoon, Pros, Rodel, Charity and I drove to Abner & Eleanor Velasco’s residence at Murrieta to meet with some of the Color Family friends of ours. Mando & Leni Espiritu who are friends also of Rodel and Charity, were there. Romie & Tita were there too – in their T-shirts with the family reunion logo on the front. I showed to the Colors the Family Tree that I made and they were interested.

On Monday, after breakfast, Rodel and Charity checked out of the hotel and we (Kuya Ben, my sister Emmeline, Pros and I) drove them to Riverside where they checked in at the Fairfield Inn to spend time with some friends of theirs for a few days. Rodel treated us to a nice restaurant before we left. Since it was still early when we dropped them off, the four of us decided to visit Mando at the City of Hope where he had his second chemo embolization treatment. He was just admitted to his room (post treatment) when we arrived there.

On Tuesday morning, Pros and I relaxed in our hotel room and I did some packing. In the afternoon, we went again to the Mirasols’ residence and I walked three houses away to see their neighbors, Romen & Linda Rivera, but they were not home. When Kuya Ben and Emmeline arrived, we went to visit the grave of my mother at the Glen Abbey Cemetery situated next to the Fil-Am SDA church. Then we went to buy some Filipino desserts to take back home and some food to take back to the Mirasols where we had supper. Jose & Alne, Erika, Brielle and Celine were there and after supper they left to catch their flights. After supper and visiting with the Mirasols (Art and family and Mike and family were still there) we also said our goodbyes.

Wednesday morning was our flight back to the Washington D.C. airport where Darrell and family met us. We arrived back home to Tappahannock past midnight.

Looking back at the reunion, I am glad Betsy thought of “Rehearsal for Heaven” as the theme of the reunion. I saw with my own eyes, forgiveness in action – it made the theme more meaningful to me! The purposes of the reunion broken down to four “R’s by Betsy (and printed on the souvenir magnets given out, compliments of Art) were met = Remember, Recognize, Relate, and Renew. We now look forward to the next reunion in Toronto in 2011.