Special occasions with good friends are meant to be treasured in one’s heart. GOD has blessed us with the wonderful gift of friendship with Rowena (Weng) Perez Te and her family who has been generous and gracious in sharing a celebratory evening with us and Dr. Rhodora V. Azanza to celebrate Weng’s birthday at their lovely home in Johnsonville on 31 October 2014. Dr. Azanza, Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs and Director for Institutional Linkages and Professor at the Marine Science Institute of the University of the Philippines (U.P.) who headed the Philippine delegation to the 16th International Conference on Harmful Algae in Wellington on 28 October-1 November 2014 had a wonderful opportunity and enjoyable experience of interacting with a member of the Filipino community and her family amidst the warm and welcoming atmosphere in Weng’s home.

Together with our families, private staff and friends, we reiterate our best wishes and heartfelt thanks to Weng and her family for the hospitality, thoughtfulness and fellowship animated by joy, laughter, bountiful food and the spirit of caring and sharing – values we hold dear to us as Filipinos wherever we may be.

As always, Weng, may our GREAT and LOVING GOD grant you and your family the earnest desires of your hearts, prosper the works of your hands and crown your efforts with success always.