ILLINOIS GATHERINGS ARE BACK-

By: Maria Girlie Pascual

 

It was a year of extreme changes. Last year, 2020, the fear of the COVID virus reigned supreme when Illinois mandated health measures to halt the spread of this debilitating virus. Businesses, schools, restaurants, factories and travel all came to a screeching halt. Unless the company or occupation was deemed “essential” and allowed to function with safety measures in place, the rest of the population was ordered to quarantine in place, as the rate of infection started to climb steadily, and dangerously. Hospitals were filled to maximum capacity with COVID stricken patients, and healthcare workers were physically and mentally pushed to their limits in caring for sick. The gloom and doom environment went on for a year until the anti- COVID vaccine was hastily developed and approved by the US government. I know this is a thumbnail version of last year’s events, but my point is that we have finally started to emerge out of this bleak tunnel into a sense of normalcy with Illinois opening up in a big way, thanks to our dwindling COVID case numbers.

Although we have lost loved ones and dear friends, acquaintances and possible Facebook pals, the need to congregate once more, to see real smiles sans masks, and to give actual, not virtual hugs now feels so good, even as we still try to stay vigilant with the presence of COVID variants making its way around the globe. Doctors and scientists feel confident that the current vaccines will help deter the new threat, but for now, I am just happy for the progress made starting in November last year, right after the contentious presidential election with spurious claims made by the losing side-but that’s a whole other story.

At this time, let me be one of the many that have congratulated Dr. Angelito Fernandez, who just celebrated with a banquet with his fellow Mason brethren that helped elevate him to “Worshipful Master” in his Hinsdale Lodge # 934. He was given this high honor for his philanthropic projects, upholding the Mason ideals of morality, brotherhood and charity, which he said he could not have done without the help of his fellow Masons. “Doc Lito” as we fondly call him, along with his wife Elvie on his side, proudly accepted this honor and shared his joy with family, friends and fellow Masons from the different lodges across the Chicagoland area. Thank you, Doc Lito,, for inviting me to emcee this happy occasion, and thanks to my “brothers” and “sisters”, for I too, am the daughter of a Mason.

Another special event that I was invited to was the wedding shower for Marcie Tigas and Montel Viudez. Hosted by Montel’s parents Alma and Monching Viudez at their home in Downer’s Grove, it was a fun, summer fete with food galore, games, and of course, alcohol. They waited a whole year to wed, after their original date in August last year was cancelled due to the raging pandemic. They chose to do it this year at the same month, and we wish them nothing but connubial bliss when they finally tie the knot.

And, finally, the lady from San Diego turned 91 in Chicago! A very happy birthday to Auntie Florentina Cambay Ranches! Her milestone age was celebrated in her honor hosted by her niece, Elizabeth Regacho, in their Gurnee home with hubby Elbert and her sons, John, Michael with wife Amy and little Ella, and Paul. Sis Alicia with husband Ted and daughter Anna Lisowski helped with the preparation as family and guests congratulated Auntie Tina on her youngish looks and happy spirit. Her secret? Love of family and friends for sure, and lots of laughter with fond memories.

Let us all be thankful for still being around after everything that transpired last year. Nothing is possible without His will and grace. To God be the glory, and for the rest of us, a prayer of gratitude and hope for all, especially for the children who are the next guardians of this planet. Enjoy these wonderful moments in our picture gallery. Salamat po!

“Behind every great man” is an even greater woman I say.. with Dr Angelito and Elvie Fernandez, a perfect match!

Doc Lito with his Fellow Brother Masons and wives (L-R) Dr Benny and Dra Naty Ruz, WB Doy and Chit Nucum, WB Amado Deleon 111 and wife Nadja,
Jhun and singer Chaz Patron and friends

The Fernandez family came to celebrate with Doc Lito ( back row) his son Angelo, friends Dr Manny and Carlota Sanchez (seated L-R) Dr Mukesh Mehta, husband of Doc Lito’s Sis Dra Norma Fernandez Mehta, and another sister Remy Fernandez Ozaraga with hubby Archie Ozaraga

Dr Angelito Fernandez with past masters and brother Masons and friends Edison Dayao, M/M Willie Acosta, Dr and Mrs Greg Dy, M/M Jun Ramos and friends

Congratulations to the new Worshipful Master Dr Angelito Fernandez of Hinsdale Masonic Lodge #934 with his fellow Masons from different lodges

Seated (L-R) Marilyn Diamzon, Juliet and Rina Limberg, WB Jack Buvelut, WB Ken Armbruster (Standing L-R) Angelito Manas, M/M Rollie & Nellie Pascual,
Nick Agbonito, the celebrant Doc Angelito and Elvie Fernandez

Past Worshipful Master and biggest supporter of Doc Lito Doy Nucum gives his greetings

Doc Lito is supported by his brethren and fellow Masons James Delacruz, Noah Panlilio, the “blues brothers”, friends and Starlab owner Richard Felicelda

Doc Lito Fernandez with guests Dr and Mrs Manny Sanchez and emcee Girlie Pascual