Special Thanks

A heartful of gratitude and thanks for the lovely people that has been helping us. Your support and understanding makes our life easier.

A chance to thank the readers of my books.  I hope and pray that my books not only inspired you but also help you in your life’s journey.  Do not take for granted the blessings the Lord has given you instead thank Him. He is waiting to hear from you.   The seed has fallen into a fertile soil to grow and become a big tree to give shade and comfort to others.

The Virginia Medical group and their front office receptionists,
Mary, Nicole, JLo, Geraldine, and Persha.
Our GPs, Dr. Suhana Mohd- on maternity leave
Dr E. Choy- Not on duty at that time
My apologies no photos, last minute idea.

General Practitioner

Dr. M. Hassan, thank you for your understanding and tolerance with Joseph when he was in stressful mood.

Podiatrist

Emmanuela G. Looking after my toenails, thank you. My mammee cannot do it anymore.

Neurologist

Dr Jim Jannes, 1st Neurologist attending to Joseph for his epilepsy at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) for years. I was also his patient way back 2003. I saw him last July 2025 because of issues bleeding veins to my brain, tumour behind my optic nerve willingly attended to me when no Neurosurgeon or Neurologist was available to attend to me. He also advised me to take the blood pressure medicine that I was avoid taking. A stern and serious warning from him convinced me it was for my own good to take the blood pressure medicine that my GP has prescribed. God bless you and your family Dr Jim.

Neurologist

Dr Craig Kurunawai Monitoring Joseph’s epilepsy and wellbeing when he took over Dr Jim Jannes. Thank you, Dr Craig for the annual check-up regarding Joseph’s health in connection with his epilepsy. Your smile makes Joseph relax and smile too.

Dentist

Regular dental checkups is not a problem for Joseph. Thank you, Dr Philip Do, and assistant Rachel. Your relaxed hand and the light touch of your drill to clean my teeth is not scary for me. You also talk to me with a friendly greeting, that’s nice.

Optometrist

Dr. Lauren Field Regular check-ups and making sure that there is nothing wrong with my eyesight. That includes my Pap and Mammee. God bless you.

Ophthalmologist

Dr Celia Chen, MBBS, MPH, FRANZCO She asked me this question. Do you know that you have a benign tumour behind your optic nerve? My reply was, ‘No. I was never informed of the MRI result that caused the gradual loss of my right eye vison. Because of her concern she called, Dr Margaruite Harding Neurosurgeon, who right away made the necessary move to have my radiation treatment. God bless you dear ladies, for the earnest and dedication you have in your profession. It takes a lady to know the importance of a woman more so as a mother’s role in the family.

And to the Director and staff of Connect-

Vanetta Renfrey– you made a courageous step to provide the service needed by adults with autism.  People with Autism see and understand things differently from what we see and know generally. We must enter in their world to understand them so they can understand us too.

To the courageous and kind-hearted staff of Connect- thank you for your help.” Many are called but few are chosen”.  You make Joseph happy and fit with the physical activities you do together.  And for the indoor activities, Joseph enjoys doing puzzles, colouring, drawing and even helping in the kitchen. And a time to relax and have a little nap is a welcome. To relax and makes you feel home away from home. 

Activities with Joseph and his carers in Connect:

Cleaning the service car

Cleaning the service car with Kerwin at Connect. My Pap and I always wash our car.

Turning around

Turning around, a feeling of security. Kerwin is walking behind me.

certain smile

To sit with a certain smile. That means lunch time.

Art Teacher

Where do I begin? With my Art Teacher Pei Yin.

Focus

Now I can focus. I know what to do. Thanks Pei Yin.

My Artwork

My work of Art. Let the bidding begin.

The Rainbow Lion

The Rainbow Lion, one of a kind. Colouring by me, Joseph. Thank you Pei Yin.

swimming coach

With Des, my swimming coach.

training

Let the training begin. Let’s change.

training

Thanks for caring Des. He must be with me in the pool in case I have a seizure.

Basketball coach

My Basketball coach, Pascal.

Pascal’s instruction

Coach Pascal’s instruction, first, master the art of dribbling.

Focus

Second, focus on the on the ring

Finally

Finally, take a deep breath and release the ball. He has improved a lot.

Juplex

Meet Juplex. Jack Of All Trades.

PUZZLES

No instruction needed. This is my specialty, PUZZLES.

trampoline

I still enjoy jumping on the big trampoline.

with my peer

Interaction with my peer, Christian. Taking turns to shoot the ball in the basket. With our referee, Juflex.

The Master Planner

Meet Adam, The Master Planner. Reading to remind me of the Scrap book, Being Gentle with Pappy.

cooking skills

Testing my cooking skills in the kitchen.

Bowling

Bowling another activity I enjoy

game day

On good days, my score would be 100+. Adam is the same, not a good day, he scored only 83. I do not care about the score, I enjoy throwing the ball.

My Rosary: Group in Two Wells

75th Birthday

Approaching my 75th Birthday, June 25, 2026. The group suggested to take a photo with the Blessed Virgin Mary.

video conference

Praying the Rosary thru video conference with my siblings from US, Philippines, and Canada. We have been doing this for more than 5 years every day. The family that prays together, stays together even if we are thousand miles apart.

video conference

Praying the Rosary thru video conference with my siblings from US, Philippines, and Canada. We have been doing this for more than 5 years every day. The family that prays together, stays together even if we are thousand miles apart.

pray the rosary

We pray the rosary every first Saturday of the month for four years now. A devotion to our Blessed Virgin Mary. L-R: Flor, Rose, Erly, and Belen. A few members missing, one of them is me.

Visit to the Philippines-First stop Manila

co-workers

With my co-workers at RCBC Buendia. L-R: Leni, me, Rey, Luchi, and Ellen.

Friends

L-R: Leni, Luchi (from US), me, and Ellen. Friends for Life.

Working days are over but still catching up every time I visit the Philippines.

Second Stop: Bicol

sister

With my sister, Salve in black pants to her left is her husband Benny, me in yellow and Yuri, their eldest son.

Welcome to the Bicol Region. Mayon volcano, in Daraga, Albay in the background famous for its perfect cone. 

The catastrophic eruption on Feb 1, 1814, that buried provinces surrounding Mayon. The Catholic Church in the province of Cagsawa, an estimate of 1,200 was buried inside the church. The belfry shown in the background is to remind us of the deadliest eruption in the history. Mayon volcano is still very active.

There are more family members to meet that lives in Naga City.  

Monet’s residence.

Photo taken in the balcony of Monet’s residence.

Classmates, from Kindergarten to High School. We call our group USINaga (Universidad de Sta Isabel de Naga) Batch67. High School graduates of 1967.

The yellow bird is me, and the blue bird beside me is Monet who always makes sure I have a car service and a driver every time I am in Naga. A busy Pharmacist who has her own Chemist Shop. Yes, we were classmates and so are the rest of the ladies. 

Atenean colleagues

Catching up with our Atenean colleagues, both standing Roberto in red and Joe de Jesus and me in white. Seated are our Batch’67 group. Standing is Susie with the eyeglasses and Angel in the sleeveless top.

Meet the Bicol Savings Staff-My Co-workers

Former workmates from Bicol Savings, Back row that’s me with the baseball cap, Nene with a pink scarf, who trained me to be a bank teller. She was the Branch Cashier/Head Teller at that time.  And Lally, the blondie sitting down on your left was our Bank Accountant. She also organizes our get together. 

party and wear Red

A reason to party and wear Red, no need to bring Mr Valentine. Girls just want to have fun. Thanks to blondie Lally the organiser. The lady standing to my left is Nene. She trained me to be a bank teller.

Sir Jake

A chance to visit Sir Jake at home with his family in Makati City. A privilege to see your boss after 25 years.

CEO Bicol Savings

Celebrating the 80th birthday of our Big Boss, CEO Bicol Savings together with his wife Nie Nie Buenaflor and former staff in Naga City. I missed out, due to health issue.

Big Boss

Celebrating the 80th birthday of our Big Boss, CEO Bicol Savings together with his wife Nie Nie Buenaflor and former staff in Naga City. I missed out, due to health issue.

Introducing THE CASTRO FAMILY

Castro Family

Castro Family reunited at the wedding of my sister Mary Francis to Jim Alba on December 31, 1977. Fourteen children with their spouses. Papa standing at the back row, the fifth from the left. See that hairy guy standing? No, he is not Barry Gibb, that’s Javier. And me, on his right.

Christmas of 1968

Christmas of 1968. Mama and Papa. L-R Senen, Marian, Terry, Salve, Tony, Jess, Medy and me. All single at that time. Our youngest, Maricris in front of Mama and Annette with Papa, the second of many grandchildren to come. To be a part of a big family tree.

my siblings

A get-together with my siblings from overseas and Naga City, 1997.
Naga City 1997. Castro sisters from the US, Canada, Australia get together with our brothers living in Manila. My first visit after 15 years. Two brothers and a sister couldn’t make it.

Christmas of 1968

L-R, Medy from Canada, Mary from Australia, Salve from Naga, and Mary Francis, Texas USA With our sister Salve celebrating the Diamond Jubilee of her batch in USI de Naga. Precious moments for us sisters. Three sisters could not make it, Charito, Eden and Terry living in the USA too. Not easy to have a complete family get together if you have a big family.

Holy Week

Every Holy Week around the City of Naga a Lenten tradition is observe we call Bisita Altares. The main street around Naga City displays a painting depicting the 14 Stations of the Cross. Our parents participated in this tradition. The painting we have is the 10th Station, Jesus was stripped of His garments.

Holy Week

Thanks to our brother Senen (right side of Alice), his wife Alice (in red) and their children continued the tradition every Holy Week.

Meet the CENTENERA FAMILY

family photo

A family photo of Jose and Estrella Centenera and their children in the Philippines before migrating to Australia in 1972. Not in the photo is Mares, a sister who lives in Spain

Wedding Anniversary

November 28,1992 celebrating their 50th Golden Wedding Anniversary, Jose and Estrella Centenera with their married children and their spouses.

Sadly, in June 23,1993 Mama Estrella passed away.

Jose Centenera- joined his beloved on Valentines Day, Feb 14 ,2011.

The new generation of the Family Tree of Jose and Estrella. A reason to celebrate and be thankful for the blessings bestowed on them.  The family tree that will grow big with plenty of branches to flourish into a big family tree.

Javier and Mary

Javier and Mary Castro Centenera, a branch of the Centenera Family tree. Arrived in Australia June 3, 1992. Our family adjusting to the Australian way of life. Full of hopes and eager to start a new life. With an undeclared luggage, I did not know I was a month pregnant when we left the Philippines.

The children

Joseph now 6 months old, a cuddly baby, big and heavy for me to carry. I must use both arms to hold him. We all love him. The children enjoyed playing with him. Joan with me always smiling, proud to be the older sister of Joseph.

Tito and Joan

My precious little helpers, Tito and Joan. They were adjusting to the way of life in Australia too. No frowns or complains. Javier and I so blessed with our children. Love and teach your children well, make time to talk, play and pray with them while they are still young. That is what they need, your love to feel cherished and secure. Do not substitute it with toys or material things.

Family photo

Family photo, 1992 the younger years for us, the children getting older.

Christmas at home

Christmas at home, December 2025. Now branching out our family tree is growing. Joe in orange shirt and Joan, in a long-printed dress, with their children in front Jacqui the youngest her sister Jane. Uncle Tito in a brown shirt. Lola Mary in the middle, Lolo Javier in yellow shirt and Uncle Seph in a light blue-collar shirt.

Emmy’s and Greig Wedding

Photo taken at Emmy’s and Greig Wedding, April 10, 2026. Emmy is the youngest daughter of Jose (Joseling).

Presenting the grandchildren of Jose and Estrella Centenera. The children of their children. The baton has been passed to the new generation.

Thank you, Emmy, for letting Joseph stand beside you. How kind of you. You are of the same age, only a few months difference. And to the groom, Greig thank for your understanding. 

To the departed members of our generation, thank you for the happy memories.

last picture

Our visit last November 2022. Cristee, Mary, and Judith. No scheduled chemo treatment yet. Our last picture with Cristee in front of their house.

RIP

Our visit last November 2022. Cristee.

80th birthday

With the birthday celebrant Ping (seated) during his 80th birthday. L-R: Dennis, Marissa, Betty, and me.

RIP

Our visit last November 2022. Cristee.

Ping’s siblings

Ping’s siblings and cousins joining the birthday celebration, 29th September 2024.

Joseling and siblings

July 2, 2026.Lunch at 1:30pm with Joseling and siblings. Around 4:00 pm, the siblings were informed that Joseling passed away in his room.

Dinner at brother

Dinner at brother Ning’s house in Paranaque. Visit from overseas siblings, nephews and other close relatives. 2019 before the lockdown due to COVID.

eldest brother

To our eldest brother we call, Bro Ning
DOB: June 12, 1935
RIP: June 15, 2025

Always my first stop when visiting the Philippines. Stay for a few days with him in his house in Paranaque.

We went to Naga City to receive the Loyalty Award from USI de Naga, 2019.

Rod O'Donnell - LBH Accountant

Thank you very much for your help and support. For showing us that we are a valued client regardless of how small our company is. God bless you Rod and your family.

Save the best for last-Western Book Publisher A leap of Faith

If you are dealing with people, you have not met personally.  And a prayer that they are worthy of the trust you give them because they hold in their hands the treasured books that I was assigned to do

 I asked and prayed to our Lord to guide me with my doubt and fears. Who, when and why? I have been subscribing and reading the Daily Bread Booklet for years. It is published annually. Each page has the date and a short story of people who testifies the guidance they get, the faith they need and the strength they are given. A book full of testimonies when you pray and ask our Lord for help and guidance. it has happened to me.    

I was almost finished with my 3rd book when the idea to distribute my books not only locally but why not try globally. I was inspired to share my life’s story universally. A willing witness to God’s great love for us. That’s how it started. Googled for book publishers, there were eager publishers who immediately emailed me. I was just shopping, just like you do when you are in the shops. Extravagance, my own word, just glancing not buying.  

Two book publishers caught my attention and one of them is the Western Book Publisher. That is how it started. And every time I asked the Lord’s help or guidance about this company when I open and read the page in the Daily Bread, my question and doubt is answered. The message is more of encouragement. Every time. What can I say. Ask and your prayer will be answered and your faith will be tested.

 To the group of Western Book Publisher, a leap of faith and the virtue of trust I hand you over the three books that our Lord, the Editor of my Life lead me to you to publish three inspirational books. The story of my family’s journey with our Special Angel, the health issue we must face and the path leading to ageing.

To the Western Book Publisher Team, Ethan Gallagher-Sr. Publishing Consultant, Ryan Cooper– Publishing & Marketing Consultant, Felicia Moore– Former Project Manager. May our endeavour be an exciting and successful one. Three books to be remembered in the history of your book publishing company.

To Sheryl and her team,

I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Sheryl and to all the proofreaders who have helped bring this dream into reality. Your time, patience, dedication and careful attention to detail have been an important part of bringing the third book to its final edition.

God bless us.