Vol. 32. No. 1 A Publication of UMA, Inc Apr - Jun 2009 Editor: Daniel Gomes, 4394 N. Sweetbriar Ct, Concord, Ca 94521 E-Mail: [email protected]
Memoirs of Old Shanghai By Anatole Maher & Tani Maher
Old Shanghai History
During the high-flying, war-torn epoch of Old Shanghai, into a cocktail of languages, culture and people, I (Anatole Maher) was born on July 9, 1923. In a small house on Albury Lane, a Chinese midwife assisted in the routine business of birth while Amah, one of our two Chinese maids, yelled out at my siblings in her pidgin’ English, telling them to stay bottom side until Tiffin was ready.
On my father’s side, I can trace my family back to northern Portugal in the 18 th century to a certain Guilherme Maher. Oddly enough, my family name should have been Lourenco and not Maher. Guilherme’s only child Paula Gomes Maher married Jose Lourenco. Since Paula was an only child, some suspect that Jose adopted her last name to prevent the Maher line from dying out. My mother Tani Yokomiso left her family in Japan and arrived in Shanghai via Harbin and Vladivostok, where she had been employed as domestic help in a Russian household. When my parents married, my mother abandoned her Japanese Shinto religion and adopted Catholicism, my father’s religion.
In 1923, our family lived in Hongkew, in the northeast section of Shanghai. Originally, Hongkew was part of the American Settlement, but when I was born it was incorporated into the International Settlement. Our house lay north of the Suzhou Creek, a natural boundary within the International Settlement. Many Macanese families lived in the Hongkew area.
Suzhou Creek 1930’s (Dan Gomes Collection)
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Memoirs of old Shanghai
In the Shanghai of the 1930s, out of three and a half million inhabitants, approximately 36,000 were foreigners. A small portion, you might think, but this minority played a very influential role in the city. Foreigners dominated commerce, business and culture. They controlled a large part of city affairs.
Clubs such as the Ciro and Venus abounded, where elegantly dressed dance girls whisked away patrons while encouraging large purchases of champagne. Those with limited budgets frequented Blood Alley, popular with Shanghai’s many servicemen who could pick up exotic gals in dives such as the Monk’s Brass Rail or George’s Bar. Western style buildings, such as the Astor House, Palace Hotel and the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank Building were spread throughout the city. Then there was the Race Course and a night out at the Cathay Hotel for a tea dance. There were social events at one of the many clubs such as the Deutscher Garten Klub, the Lusitano Club or the Cercle Sportif Francais. Some spent their free time attending cricket games before breaking for high tea with scones. Golf was also popular. Americans could tee-off at the Columbia Country Club. The British and other westerners preferred meeting at the more exclusive Shanghai Club.
The British had a long history in China. During the heyday of the British Empire in the 19 th Century and through its East India Trading Company, the English became the world’s leading traffickers of opium. The company had a charter to import opium from Afghanistan and India to China and in return send silk, tea and other Chinese products back to the United Kingdom. The drugs had a dire effect on Chinese society. Although the British were the main traffickers of opium, it was, ironically, illegal in England. Eventually, the Chinese government followed the English lead and also made opium consumption illegal, but many local officials were bribed to ignore the trade. Eventually the Chinese government fought back , bringing it into a head-on confrontation with British merchants. This dispute combined with a disagreement over sovereignty regarding prisoners and trade issues in general resulted in the First Opium War in 1839.
The Chinese lost the First Opium War and signed the Treaty of Nanking in 1842, which stated that the British were exempt from Chinese law and forced the Chinese to cede Hong Kong to the British and ports in Canton, Fuzhou, Xiamen, Linbou and Shanghai to foreign powers. The Treaty of Nanking in 1842 required the Chinese to provide housing for the British merchants and their families in the five port cities. Imperialistic nations moved in to profit. In 1856 another battle occurred where the French allied themselves with the British and China was forced to amend the treaty, giving all countries that dealt with China the same status as the British. In 1860, the Chinese signed the Treaty of Tianjin putting an end to the Second Opium War , opening up additional ports to foreigners in China.
In 1854, the Shanghai Municipal Council was created to manage the many foreign settlements in the city of Shanghai. In 1862, the British Concession and the American Settlement joined to form the International Settlement, which was in the North and East of the city. A small area in Pudong, mostly farm land was also included in the International Settlement. The Municipal Council originally consisted of one German (before World War I), two Americans, and six British members who administered the Settlement. Later, the Japanese and Chinese also became members, bringing the total number of administrators to 14. These members were elected annually by foreigners who were property-owning taxpayers in the Settlement. In effect, the Municipal Council was a foreign political authority on Chinese soil and didn’t consider itself subject to Chinese law. This increased nationalism and resentment on the part of the Chinese simmered for decades until it exploded in the 20 th Century.
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Memoirs of old Shanghai
To the south and west of where I lived, the French had established their own concession and had a separate government. Europeans, American and foreigners, referred to as Shanghailanders, often lived in the International Settlement but if they were especially well off, they preferred the more exclusive French Concession.
Back in the 16 th Century, the Portuguese had established a settlement in Macau and it’s no surprise that many of them moved to the Chinese mainland. Many Jews also moved to Shanghai. Starting in the mid-1800s, mostly Sephardic Jews immigrated to the city. The most well known of these were the Sassoon, Hardoon, and Kadoorie families, who established very successful enterprises in Shanghai. The Sassoons were somewhat relevant to the Mahers since my father worked at a Sassoon company. In the 20 th Century after the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917, many Russians sought refuge in Shanghai for the simple reason that, unlike most cities, Shanghai didn’t require visas or police certificates for immigrants. Because of this liberal immigration policy, during World War II many Jewish refugees from Europe, barred from entering other countries, also flocked to Shanghai to escape the Nazis. Shanghai became know as the “ City of Refuge” for welcoming everyone.
Unlike the French Concession which had tree-lined streets, our neighborhood in Hongkew seemed more like a concrete jungle of buildings and asphalt roads. Few trees line the roads so there was scant shade for our modest two-story brick row house. In the summer, the roads sizzled under the blistering sun. When it was unbearably hot, the asphalt seemed as if it would melt. Air-conditioning didn’t exist yet. Even flush toilets were considered a luxury. We didn’t have them in our house on 2 Albury Lane. Every day, a small Chinese man arrived to remove the “night soil” buckets. After he wobbled out of the door, he would attach the buckets on each end of a wooden pole and walk to a horse-drawn carriage, which we called the “honey cart” .
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Memoirs of old Shanghai
As I recall, this human waste was used as agricultural fertilizer. Unsanitary, you may think and so did we. That’s why we never ate salad or raw vegetables at home. All our vegetables were washed very well. A drop or two of what looked like iodine as some sort of disinfectant was added to the water. As an additional precaution, the vegetables were always cooked. Only when I’d started my secondary education did I see, much less eat raw salad.. We had no front yard. A few steps led to the front door that was in a recess from the building line, sheltered by the veranda above it. Beyond a small entrance, we had a straight staircase, above which a fairly large skylight provided illumination for the stairway and corridor. On cloudy days, it was very dark because our house, sandwiched between two other houses, only had windows in the front and back.
The other end of the lane led to an alley, which was at the rear of the houses of Peitaiho Lane, where we lived after 1932. Across houses number one to six was a long, low building. These were the barracks for the British troops from Sudan. Many people of mixed race lived on our lane. A British family, the Lawrence, lived in number seven. The Lawrence boys served in the forces in Europe and one returned after World War II. Behind our house was a cobblestone street where all the inhabitants were Chinese.
(Editor’s Notes: Memoirs: From Old Shanghai to the New World written by Tani Maher takes the reader on Anatole Maher’s personal voyage from Shanghai to Brazil and finally to the United States. The recurring question: “ Where do you come from?” inspired her to research the Maher family history and together with her father Anatole write his Memoirs. The book is 148 pages long and published by Xlibris and can be ordered through Amazon.com. Anatole has graciously given the UMA Editor permission to excerpt parts of his memoirs which would be of interest to the Macanese community. I will excerpt and consolidate his memoires into short stories so that it can more readily be publish in the UMA Bulletin. This is the first of hopefully many short stories)
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At our 2008 Annual General Meeting, we discussed the consolidation of the four Chapters of UMA. While we recognize that the present structure of UMA is still favored by many of our members, in recent years it has become increasingly evident that there is a dearth of volunteers willing to serve as Officers, Directors, or as Committee Members. Most of those now in office are older and have served for many years, and would like to see younger members take over the management of UMA. The term of the present Officers and Board of Directors expires December 31, 2010.
Although the Board is still working on the details of consolidation, here are some of the proposals being considered which we would like to bring to members' attention at this time:
1) the effective date of the consolidation will be January 1, 2010; 2) the current Officers and Directors will serve out their term to December 31, 2010, enabling a smooth transition to a new Board of Directors to be elected at the end of 2010; 3) continue to hold functions which are especially popular with the membership by appointing local committees to handle them; 4) the consolidation to be effected by a vote of the general membership, and then by resolution of the Board of Directors and ratified at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting on November 7, 2009. Ballots will be sent to all members with the next UMA News Bulletin; and 5) a Special Committee will be appointed by the Board to amend and/or rewrite the UMA Bylaws to reflect the consolidation.
With the restructuring of UMA as a single unit without Chapters, it is hoped that we can attract an infusion of new blood and interest, and emerge as a stronger and more vibrant organization.
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I am very pleased to announce that we have taken a major step towards the eventual goal of merging the three California Casas into one entity as stated in the Articles of Incorporation of The Macau Cultural Center, Inc. After lengthy discussions, the MCC Directors have come together and agreed that the three clubs would be incorporated into the organization. At a meeting on June 10, 2009, the nine Directors voted unanimously to approve the Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Macau Cultural Center, Inc. to show one class of members, namely Casa de Macau USA, Inc.; Lusitano Club of California, Inc. and UMA, Inc. These new Bylaws as well as Minutes of MCC Meetings are available to any UMA member upon written request to me as a Director of the MCC – 845 Tournament Drive, Hillsborough, CA 94010 or email: [email protected] .
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President’s Message
This year is the 50 th Anniversary of União Macaense Americana or UMA, Inc. UMA was established in San Francisco in 1959 by a group of early Macanese immigrants from Macau, Hong Kong, and Shanghai, as a mutual benefit organization to assist newcomers to the United States.
The 50 th Anniversary Committee has planned a grand celebration to mark this significant milestone. The notice giving details of the celebration appears on page 8 of the Bulletin. All members are invited. We encourage everyone to make an extra effort to attend this event on Sunday, November 8, 2009 , the day after our 2009 Annual General Meeting . Please mark your calendars. Directions to the venue will be provided in the next Bulletin.
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Our three youth representatives to The Primeiro Encontro da Nova Geração Macaense or First Youth Encontro in Macau on June 19-35, 2009 are: John Paul Souza, son of Peter & Sandy Souza; Adriano Vieira-Ribeiro and Adam Vieira-Ribeiro, the sons of Alberto Carlos & Ana Vieira-Ribeiro.
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The 10 th Anniversary celebrations of the establishment of the Região Administrative Especial de Macau ( RAEM ), or Macau Special Administrative Region, will be held on Sunday, November 22, 2009 at the Asia Pearl Restaurant in Fremont. The event is jointly sponsored by Casa de Macau USA, Lusitano and UMA and will begin with a Chinese Banquet, followed by dancing. All members of the three Casas are invited and we would ask you to sign up early due to space limitations. Although the event is free to all members, you are asked to make a donation of $15.00 or more per person to the Macau Cultural Center Fund. The MCC needs your financial help, and will welcome all contributions. Please see flyer in page 9 of this bulletin.
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The Macau Cultural Center is having a Picnic – a Fundraiser – on Sunday, September 13, 2009 at the Beresford Park, 2720 Alameda de las Pulgas, San Mateo, Picnic Areas #1&2. Bring your family and friends for an afternoon of fun, games, mahjong, cards, etc. See flyer in page 12 of this Bulletin.
May you all have a great summer and a glorious Fourth of July!
Raquel Remedios, President
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MACAU CULTURAL CENTER From Maria F. Gomes, Fund Raising Chairperson, MCC
We now have “MEMBERS in MCC”! The Bylaws of MCC have been revised, legally scrutinized by our pro-bono lawyer, approved by the directors, and signed. Thereby it is legal and binding that MCC has MEMBERS. The MCC Bylaws now specifies that the Members of Macau Cultural Center are Casa de Macau, USA; Lusitano Club of California; and UMA, Inc. (União Macaense Americana).
Now all you members who read this article in your News Bulletin have a vested interest in Macau Cultural Center. Therefore on behalf of MCC, its directors, and all members of the three Casas , I thank those who have sent in donations to MCC. From my article in the previous Bulletin you all know that we have new donation categories. I am happy to report that we are fortunate to have generous individuals who have helped us launch the new categories.
“Ballroom Floor Sponsors”: Our special thanks go to our “Ballroom Floor Sponsors ”, LAWRENCE & FANNY GILL, AND JOHN & CAROL MONTEIRO, who have helped us launch this donation category. It is particularly fitting as their talent on the dance floor is well known in the community, and it is wonderful that these “swingers” have stepped up to help us in getting the floor refinished. ALL YOU “SWINGERS” WHO LOVE TO DANCE : come help us out with a donation in the amount of $200 or more to join our “Ballroom Floor Sponsors”. We still need over $2,500.00 to get the floor refinished. We have a golden opportunity to get it done now as we currently have a good worker willing to do the job at a substantial savings to us. It would be wonderful to have the names of all you “Swingers”, who have graced the dance floor at our functions, on our plaque in the main Ballroom.
“MCC Logo & Signage Sponsors”: This sponsorship in the amount of $300 or more has also been launched. Our special thanks go to EDUARDO R. COLLACO, JESSICA J. XAVIER, AND JOHN & CAROL MONTEIRO . Your generosity is very much appreciated, and we hope that more people will support the efforts of putting our identity on the building. The cost to get the signage and lighting installed will be over $6,000.00.
“Window Sponsors”: This sponsorship is still open, and we welcome additional “Window Sponsors” in the amount of $10,000 or more . We thank the following “Window Sponsors” for their donations of $10,000.00 or more each : IN MEMORY OF CELESTE DEGRACA; IN MEMORY OF RIGOBERTO P. ROLIZ; DANIEL & MARIA F DA ROZA GOMES; CAROL & JOHNNY MONTEIRO; JORGE & RAQUEL REMEDIOS; MANUEL & MARIA XAVIER; LUSITANO CLUB OF CALIFORNIA, INC.: IN HONOR OF OUR PAST, PRESENT, & FUTURE MEMBERS.
Finally we have our wonderful “2009 Friends of MCC” whose donation of $100 or more is helping to sustain the continued existence of MCC. We extend our sincere and heartfelt thanks to the following people, particularly those who are also our “Original Friends of MCC”. MERLINDE & RONALD BROWN PAUL & SUSANA LEUNG LINDA TISON FREDERICO AUGUSTO COLLACO JOHN & CAROL MONTEIRO FRANCES GAAN WEBER INACIO & TERESA DA ROSA MANUEL & JAN NUNES IN MEMORY OF: FLORENCE DA SILVA BEN & YVONNE PAREDES HELGA E. DA LUZ ADALEINE & EDMOND LEE PORTUGAL MACAU INSTITUTE USA JOAQUIM & CLOTILDE XAVIER
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Life and Learning in Wartime Macau Armando “Pinky” da Silva
I was a young schoolboy at La Salle College in Kowloon when war broke out. My life changed drastically on 8 December 1941. That morning Japanese troops invaded Hong Kong which fell to them on 25 December 1941, Christmas Day. Daily living became anxious for residents since most did not know what could happen each day. Nearby Macau was spared Japanese occupation since Portugal was a neutral country. My father decided to take the family to Macau when the Macau Government offered to provide sanctuary and assistance to Hong Kong Portuguese and Macanese. We had two days’ notice to pack. The house where I grew up was abandoned with all furnishings. I missed the family’s two loyal amahs. But we were glad to be out of Hong Kong. The trip to Macau on 6 February 1942 took about 4 hours on a Japanese ferry boat, the Suragami Maru. Some 650 to 700 passengers were on board. The day was cold, windy, drizzling, with a choppy sea. Canvas awnings shrouded the vessel. On arrival at the Inner Harbor and only after the awnings were lifted did I get my first glimpse of Macau, Ponte # 6 with its characteristic clock tower. I hold this imprinted memory to this day. The Macau Government had several places prepared to receive the refugees. Our family was allotted a favorable north-facing room at the Hotel Bela Vista, now renamed Bela Vista Refugee Center. The 10 of us were provided with folding cots to sleep on. This crowded room at night was to be my home for the next 4 years. From the room window I had the grandest view of Old Macau, a vista made famous in so many paintings and photographs, of the sweeping arc of Praia Grande lined with trees, of imposing Monte Fort, of sentinel-like Guia Lighthouse , and of the open expanse of the Outer Harbor. Furthermore, my window also opened to a large orchard below belonging to a Catholic nunnery. This orchard held many tropical trees such as guava, carambola (starfruit), anona (custard-apple), papaya, banana, pumelo ( a kind of thick- rind grapefruit) lychee, jambalang ( a tree which bears purple grape-like fruits), and a patch of ananas (pineapples). 1942 was a brutal year for so many unfortunate ones. Refugees from surrounding districts flocked to the city. Many died of sickness, starvation, and suicide. Corpses littered the streets, and floated along the seawalls.. An orphaned urchin about 2 or 3 years younger than I and his sickly younger sister about 4 or 5 years old begged outside the Center. She died of malnutrition, sickness and cold curled in a fetal position. Her body was unceremoniously dumped into a push cart by health workers and taken away as the young beggar wept. My dad adopted this boy, and arranged a spot within the confines of the Center for him to stay. We called him Johnny. He remained with us as the family “household boy” when we returned to Hong Kong after the war and stayed with the family until most us moved to America in mid-1950s.He went on to be a successful vegetable grower and owned his own sturdy wooden- planked cabin near Yuen Long, New Territories. I often thought on how fate and fortune interposed on his life compared to mine. His was a life saved in that brutal year of 1942. UMA NEWS BULLETIN – Summer Issue 2009 Page 8 of 36
At the Center we welcomed and appreciated the generosity of the Macau Government which provided us with a roof over our heads and a daily meal. The basic allotment of grain consisted of a condensed milk size can of raw rice for each person per day. This volume was deemed the equivalent of cooked rice that filled a standard Chinese “hok” water dipper. This dipper of cooked rice was leveled at the top so that each person received the same portion of rice. This procedure was fair to all. I must commend the honesty and propriety of the people who ran the Center, the kitchen, and the service. There never was any rumor of malfeasance as I knew it. “Haam ha ong choi” (balichang cangcong) was a common “soong” to accompany the rice, as was “wu tau app pou” (inhame com ade, taro with pieces of duck). Occasionally shark meat, considered trash fish for its mild ammoniac taste, provided a source of needed protein. As a former hotel the center housed a commercial kitchen. This kitchen also cooked meals for some other nearby refugee centers. Firewood and charcoal were delivered to the center every two weeks or so. The fuel was brought on hand carts drawn by coolies and escorted by volunteer kitchen help. Meals were served once a day either in late afternoon in winter or early evening in summer. On warm evenings I went to the “east verandah” to take in the cooling sea breezes and the always spectacular seascape before me. This was my version of “al fresco patio dining. At dinner we were also provided a small crusty- on- the- outside- chewy- in- the inside Portuguese- style bread, baked at the local army barrack. This bread was known as “chi chai pau” (small piglet roll). This roll was indeed tasty when spread with “Bela Vista Center Wartime Butter” made of lard, a sprinkling of salt, colored light-yellow by turmeric, and dotted with chopped cooked green onions. Deveras sabroso! Unlike many other youths from other centers who went to Portuguese-language schools, we from Bela Vista Refugee Center were enrolled in a private English-language school, Escola Particular Idalia da Luz named for its principal and owner. Most teachers were fellow Hong Kong Eurasian refugees. The student body consisted of boys and girls ages 6 to 14. Among us there were also some Hong Kong Eurasians, Indians, Jews, and local Macanese enrolled “particularly” for English language instruction and exposure. The Macau Government and the British Consulate subsidized the school. At home I became an avid bookworm and read extensively. I secured books from the school’s special lending library. This library carried a fine collection of classic English-language works by noted literary greats. Reading provided me an imaginative and creative escape. Especially with historical novels I could, in my thoughts, vicariously visit far away places and engage in adventurous situations and be at locales way beyond the restricted confines of my room. I was with English longbow archers at Argincourt (Scott), hunted for English scalps with the last of the Mohicans (Cooper), in King Arthur’s Court (Twain), at Lilliputia with Gulliver (Swift) and followed Robinson Crusoe on his isolated tropical island (Defoe). I belonged to a boys-only choir which practiced on alternate Saturdays at Sao Agostinho Church. This was escapism at its best. One of my chores included looking after hens for their eggs. No problem here! I went for long strolls along the seawall promenade and the hillside pathways around and about the Center. I became most curious about the islands and mountains on the Macau seascape. On days the air was so clear that I could discern a yellow speck on Lantau Island some 20-odd miles away across the wide expanse of the Pearl River Estuary. It turned out to be the Hong Kong Police station at Tai O. Years later I would re-visit Tai O again and again to do field research on traditional coastal settlements on Lantau Island. Such was the pattern of life in 1943, so different from that sad year earlier. But for the uncertainties of the progress of the war which I closely followed, life seemed idyllic. The best of my schooling was yet to come. Beginning in 1944 Irish Jesuit priests from Wah Yan College in Hong Kong came to teach in Macau at the urging of long time friends and benefactors of theirs, the Macau Government, and the British Consulate. A local Macau financier and philanthropist,
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Dr. Pedro Jose Hyndman Lobo offered a large multi-room building fronting the Praia Grande to house the school, named Colegio de Sao Luiz Gonzaga. The student body consisted mainly of Hong Kong Macanese, Hong Kong Eurasians, Hong Kong Malayans, and English-speaking Overseas Chinese. The ages of students ranged from “thirteen to twenty” as I knew it. The subjects taught were based on the Wah Yan College curriculum for the pre-war Hong Kong School Leaving Certificate Program. These subjects were mathematics, physics, chemistry, English literature, world history, world geography, and Portuguese. Rather than having religious studies we had “Apologetics” the special Jesuit approach to looking at the Roman Catholic Creed through logic, persuasion, and ethics. Non-Catholics were exempt from this investigation of faith and belief. The Jesuits each and all were excellent teachers and were most demanding of us. I did not fare well at all with mathematics, physics, or chemistry. I tolerated English literature but excelled in world history and world geography (reading many historical novels earlier helped). A Jesuit assigned to me encouraged me to pursue my intellectual curiosity and scholarly bent. He totally supported the liberal arts, humanities, and the arts when prowess in mathematics and the “hard sciences” was deemed to hold more merit and value. My outside interest was to follow the course of the war and the advance of Allied Forces. This I did by going to nearby Leal Senado library to read the Portuguese language bi-weekly “A Voz de Macau” and the weekly English- language Japanese newspaper “The Hong Kong News” (when available). My foray into reading Chinese characters started when I decided to recognize and understand them from street names, commercial sign-boards, salutary banners, restaurant signs in the same manner my brother Bill did earlier in his life and illiterate houseboy Johnny would do later. How can one be surrounded by thousands of Chinese ideographs and be oblivious as to what they meant, I reasoned. This was how millions of school-less Chinese throughout the ages built their vocabulary and learned how to read out of practical necessity. I had no intention in being proficient in Chinese classical literary texts. I merely wanted to read maps in Chinese and know my way around and about with some ease among Chinese signs. I returned home after the war and continued my studies at Wah Yan College. Alone among Macanese boys I stayed after class with other English- speaking Overseas and Hong Kong Chinese to learn Chinese ideographs. The class used a primer popular with Catholic and Protestant missionaries and career British colonial cadets. I had hoped to finish my schooling at Wah Yan College. But it was not to be. The Roman Catholic Diocese decreed that Macanese boys were to be taught by the Brothers of the De La Salle Order either at St. Joseph College or La Salle College. At La Salle College I passed the Hong Kong University Matriculation exam in 1948 to formally end my secondary education. At wartime Macau I received the needed opportunity, encouragement, direction, and top-notch schooling which prepared me for a subsequent university teaching career in America. But that is another story for another time.
Editor’s Note: Armando da Silva (Pinky) earned a Bachelor degree from San Francisco State University, a Master degree from the University of California at Berkeley, a Doctoral degree from the University of Hawaii. He returned to San Francisco, California after his retirement at Towson University, Baltimore, Maryland, where he is Professor Emeritus of Geography. The Bela Vista Hotel on top of Penha Hill built in 1870 had a colorful history. It is now the home of the Portuguese Consul in Macau. Class picture 1942 provided by Raquel Remedios follows.
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Excerpts of talk by Fredric A (Jim) Silva (Part 1 appeared in 2008 Spring Issue of the Bulletin)
Other linguistic streams also come into our patua . For instance there are words we use from the Malay of Malacca – Choler; Chipi; Chubi; Chuchu; Gundoong; Booyao; Sayao; Balichao. English and Chinese words also have a tendency to creep in. It is a colorful language with no discernable grammar and no plurals. It is a great tongue for satire and slang – for making fun of others and ourselves.
If you spoke patua and met and old friend – this is what you must not say: “Ay Jose – nunca olhar voce vinte fora anos. Cusa ja sosede? Ja fica assim velho. Onde ja vai todo cabelo? Onde ja vai tudo dente? Cara pindurado; Andar vagar vagar-cote-cote. Costa-bonco-bonco. Qui ramede.”
Another bit of patua. A lady wanted to learn some Portuguese. She said that in English one replies, “Don’t mention it” or “You are welcome”, when someone says, “Thank You”. In America a reply to a “Thank You” can sometimes be, “You Bet”. In Portuguese how does one reply to “Obrigado”? The answer was that if someone said “Obrigado”, the proper reply would be, “Ay Numseeza meh”.
Fortunately there have been persons who have studied and passed on our patua. The late Dr. Graciete Batalha took a scholarly approach and methodically recorded pronunciation and etymology for so many words. The late Ade Fereira – a great humorist – took a lighter approach with verses and plays. He was a great asset to preserve some of the old speech. Today’s Miguel Senna Fernandes also makes a study of the patua as he fills the gaps of his predecessors. We owe them our thanks.
Is there such a thing as a Macanese accent when speaking English? Well, yes and no. When Macao people speak English they have their own Portuguese accent. When Shanghai Macanese speak, there is hardly any discernable accent. But when Hong Kong Macanese speak, they can come up with a whining, sing song accent which is so typical. When I first heard a recording of my own voice I could not believe it was really me.
That accent was there. Try saying this with a Hong Kong Macanese accent. (a) Wear boyscout hat want to be Cowboy-say. (b) In one short sentence use 3 languages: Eat Ramata the soong Yuh. (c) All the American in the Bank say I speak with Breeteesh accent – say.
Even names said with the proper Macanese accent can immediately identify a person. Say “Julio Lima”; “Gussy Luz”; “Carlos Soares”; “Ange Vas”.
Where and how did this accent come about? I say St. Mary’s School of Kowloon. My theory is that the accent came to be when shiploads of Italian nuns fresh off the boat from Italy arrived in Hong Kong to teach English to Macanese girls. This could lead to weird results.
Let me now say something about our food . Food is an integral part of our Macanese culture. Fortunately we have inherited this Far Eastern concept of eating “Rice and Soong” like Chinese, Japanese, Indians and Malays.
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We Macanese-Part 2
We eat our white rice and accompany it with a delicious array of dishes which have evolved from all over – Portugal, China, Goa, Malacca. For instance the Portuguese Corzido has been added to with some trotters, dried pork rind(pele), Chinese sausage, and balichao to become our own tacho.
At the risk of making mouths water I list:-
Diabo, Chourico vinho alho, Chourico sutate, porco balichao tamarinho, Ade capedella, Capella, Chau chau chili, Miso Cristao, Harmonica, and to quote the illustrious bard “Nobody don’t like Minchy”.
We have fabulous deserts. Many derived from Malacca Nonya food. Glutinous rice, glutinous rice flour, eggs and coconut and brown palm sugar. Alua, bajee, moochy, ladoo, bebinca leite. All rich and hearty and guaranteed to cure any cholesterol deficiencies we may have had.
Now for some Macao history: -
Having been established in 1557 there are nearly 450 years behind this settlement. Little has been written on early origins, because there never was a treaty or anything in writing to record events. There are actually two versions on beginnings. The Portuguese version was that they were invited to settle and trade in Macao out of gratitude for the fact that they cleared the whole area of pirates. The Chinese version was that Chinese merchants and Portuguese traders bribed the Canton mandarin to allow for a settlement. No approval was ever given by the Emperor in Peking. A Chinese custom post was to be established on Praia Grande and an annual rental payment to the Chinese was required. This certainly did not indicate any change of sovereignty.
The truth probably lay somewhere between the two versions. In any case the loose arrangement appealed to both sides and there were enough subsequent profits arising which helped to seal things. A permanent city soon grew on this little peninsula.
Another historical incident in Macao’s past was the Dutch invasion of 1620. This was a period when the Spanish crown ruled over Portugal. The Dutch hated the Spaniards and coveted Macao as a trading post. They wanted a foothold in China to take over the lucrative China/Japan trade. A fleet of 17 warships appeared off Macao – two were from the non-combatant English. The 15 Dutch ships landed 800 men on Cachilhas beach near Porto Cerco and started to march to the city around Guia. The Portuguese were at a great disadvantage as the small Portuguese garrison was away on an expedition in China. Only 300 defenders could be found. Women, slaves, Macanese and metropolitans all got together to put up a spirited defense. The defense plan was to retreat and ambush. A Jesuit priest manned a canon on Monte Fort and luckily made a direct hit on the Dutch gunpowder carriage – blowing it up. This demoralized the invaders who now lacked gunpowder and faced a fierce charge of Portuguese defenders. The disorganized invaders were thrown back on to the beach where many were drowned as they fled. It was a great Portuguese victory. Moreover the battle impressed the on looking Chinese as an example of Portuguese valor.
Another great event in Macao history was the defense of the city in 1849 when Chinese soldiers threatened the city with a blockade. Just outside of Macao and beyond Porto Cerco was a Chinese fort with 500 men who manned the heights of a hill called Pak Shan Lan (Passaleao). The guns of the fort threatened the Portuguese garrison at Porto Cerco and prevented the movement of goods, people and food. Macao was under threat and siege and would soon be starved out.
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We Macanese-Part 2
A young Macanese Lieutenant, Nicolou Vicente Mesquita volunteered to attack the fort and lift the siege. Calling for 36 volunteers he fired his one canon into the heart of the fort and then mounted a charge against a confused and demoralized enemy Fortunately the Chinese cannons on the fort could not be made to fire down the hill at the attacking 36 soldiers. By morning the fort was captured. The threatening guns were spiked and great victory was proclaimed.
In the 1930s the Portuguese communities of Macao, Hong Kong and Shanghai contributed to erection of a great bronze statue of Mesquita in his full uniform. This was placed on the Leal Senado Square as a symbol of victory and patriotism.
A symbol of victory for one side can also be a symbol of defeat for the other. A follow up on this statue’s story was the 1966 destruction of this symbol by rampaging Red Guards who toppled it (a la Sadam Hussein) during a city riot. The city later replaced the statue with the present fountain.
In 1640 Macao entered into a period of long lasting depression. Three events occurred that caused this. Firstly, the Portuguese sister colony of Malacca fell to the Dutch. Malacca was then lost as a trading partner, and moreover, the seas around that area were henceforth threaten by Dutch ships. Secondly, Portugal regained her independence from the Spanish Crown. Spanish trading connections, Manila and Acapulco could no longer be used by the Portuguese. Thirdly, and most importantly, Japan expelled all Portuguese traders and missionaries. The lucrative China (Silk) to Japan (silver) trade ceased. Catholics were expelled to Macao and the profitable Japan connection was over.
Let us come back to the present. Where are the Macanese now? There has been this diaspora to all over the world but there are still many Macanese in Macao and Hong Kong.
Portuguese speaking Macanese settled in Portugal and Brazil. English speaking Macanese went on to settle in the USA, Canada and Australia. Nearly all over the world there are now some Macanese.
Will these Macanese groups continue as distinct communities? Well, Yes and No. For the short term they will surely survive. For the longer term it is questionable. Let us examine how some other small ethnic groups have done around the world. The Armenians of Singapore are no longer a distinct group. All that exists is an old Armenian church. Burgers of Ceylon, a mixture of Dutch and Ceylonese Eurasians have disappeared as they migrated to Australia. Only the old Portuguese settlement of Malacca still exists after 500 years as an identifiable group with customs, culture and religion much intact.
For most Macanese there has been this great dispersal and intermarrying outside the group. Leaders of these dispersed communities try to encourage a Macanese consciousness with Clubs and Casas.
We have a unique culture and an interesting heritage and we are now brought together by the Encontro. We return for the Encontro, not just to see old friends and overeat, but to celebrate our historical background, thanks to the Macau Government and the people of APIM.
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Sergeant Daryl Sequeira
Sergeant Daryl Sequeira, son of Bob Sequeira and the late Hjordis Sequeira investigated a case in which a teenager was victimized by an unknown on-line sex predator. Utilizing his expertise as a regional expert in internet predator cases, he immediately developed a lead, eventually traveled to Illinois to serve a search warrant and obtained a signed confession from the suspect. He provided crucial support to the victim and her family all through the investigation and continued through the court process. For his “extraordinary and remarkable commitment” to the case, the victim, her family, and the community, Sgt Daryl Sequeira was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal.
Sara Aislinn Remedios
Sara Aislinn Remedios, daughter of Antonio and Kathleen Remedios and granddaughter of Vilma and the late Eddie Remedios, graduated summa cum laude from Washington University in St. Louis on May 15, 2009 with a Bachelor's degree in English and Political Science. She was elected to membership in Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Sigma Alpha - Political Science Honor Society, and Sigma Tau Delta - English Honor Society.
This fall Sara will be attending City University of New York where she was awarded a five year full scholarship towards a doctorate degree in English. Congratulations Sara. We are so proud of you.
Sebastian at Eton College in England
Sebastian Brix-Nielsen, grandson of Al & the late Rosie Guterres, long time member of the Greater East Bay Chapter of UMA, has been accepted to start his studies at "Eton College - England". He will commence his studies on the 9 Sept 2009 and very much look forward to it. Family will miss him tremendously but will have a good reason to travel to Europe more often. Sebastian pictured in front of Timbralls House where he will be boarding at Eton.
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Hermes Creative Award
Maria Gomes is very proud to report that her God-son, Robert Hyndman of VerbMedia, Laguna Beach, son of Teresa and Fred Hyndman, received the Gold Award for Creative Writing at the Hermes Creative Awards (HCA) competition in April for the recently re-designed website for Niemann Capital Management. The 2009 HCA competition is an international event for creative professionals, with more than 3,700 entries throughout the United States and several other countries.
Grã Cruz da Ordem do Infante
Roberto Carneiro (Art Carneiro’s son) received the Grã Cruz da Ordem do Infante from the President of Portugal Cavaco Silva on June 10, Dia de Portugal. All his nine children were present at the ceremony, which was held in Santarém this year.
68 th Anniversary of Ordination to Priesthood
Msgr. Desmond P. (da Roza) Dillon celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving on his 68 th Anniversary of Ordination to Priesthood at St. Joseph Church in Kennewick, Washington on May 24, 2009 where he was the pastor for 25 years. Congratulations Monsignor and many more to come.
Gerard Ozorio writes from Down Under
Warmest Greetings to all my dear UMA friends from an Aussie and long-standing UMA member!
You’ll never know how thrilled I am – being a clarinetist with the semi-professional Waverley Philharmonic Orchestra and life–long music lover – to read about the well deserved appointment of Joana Carneiro as the new Music Director of the Berkeley Symphony.
While I couldn’t possibly claim to have know Joana’s grandfather Art well (being then a 10 year old boy when I first met him), members of the Portuguese community all admired him as a very talented musician who would have known my eldest brother Dr. Horatio Ozorio (aka Ozzo), himself a professional musician, who performed on radio and played in a jazz orchestra with professional musicals as a jazz pianist.
I wish Joana all the best of luck and most sincerely hope that I may be able to meet her one day in the not too distant future and discuss the fine Third Movement of Dvorak’s F Major Symphony.
Kindest regards to Raquel & Jorge as well as Bernard Brown.
.
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Elsa do Amaral By Armando Pinky da Silva
Elsa was the most independent in behavior and the most forward in cultivating a sense of style among all of her da Silva siblings of seven brothers and six sisters. Before The War when it was considered unbecoming among our kind for a single lady to travel abroad alone, Elsa traveled solo to Manila to visit her brother Chico and her many first cousins there. American- administered Philippines differed from stuffy colonial British Hong Kong. She returned with a new attitude. Elsa and her close friend Carol Souza (husband, Satiro) would appear at Sunday services wearing appropriate but in vogue colorful dresses and hats. Tres chic! She harbored a courageous streak. At the height of the Battle of Hong Kong in December 1941 she accompanied me from the Canossian Institute at Caine road to Nethersole Hospital on western Hong Kong Island to enable me to treat a dislocated elbow I had sustained from a fall. Japanese artillery shells landed again and again at the hillside behind the hospital. The wards were full of the mangled and the dying. Yet Elsa remained cool, calm, and collected. When peace returned Elsa and the da Silva family relocated to Macau at Bela Vista Refugee Center. Guilhermina d’Aquino Ozorio (husband, Albert), Elsie Britto Ribeiro (husband, Antao) and Elsa formed a bonding trio. Then Mario do Amaral entered her life. At the Hotel Riviera the orchestras of Art Carneiro and “Pinky” Pineda played afternoon teatime music. “Blueberry Hill” became the defining favorite love song for them. Within two months after The War, Elsa was on board as the only Macanese woman on a small Chinese “kai-tou” transport sailing junk on its slow trip to Hong Kong. Post-war Hong Kong was under British Military Administration. Then, all British ex-pats emptied from Stanley Internment Camp were repatriated to Britain for rest and recuperation. This provided an opening for her to secure an executive- level job with the Hong Kong Harbour Master’s Office. Alone, she did the stenography, and was responsible for all correspondence. Elsa had a decided flair for written English. Furthermore, she engaged in confidential ship to shore calls from shipmasters at crowded Hong Kong harbor. In short, she competently ran the whole office nearly all by herself. Elsa and Mario married at St. Teresa Church in Kowloon, and in short order son Mike arrived. After a few short uneventful years the do Amaral family moved to Lisbon, Portugal. Mario managed a then first- of-its- kind high- end Chinese restaurant. Meanwhile, Elsa enrolled at Lisbon’s Le Cordon Bleu Academy and earned a diploma in French cooking. Mario was always keen on America. The family moved to San Francisco, California. When he died suddenly a few years later of an aneurysm, Elsa was shattered but she gallantly picked up on her life. For a decade or so she owned an apartment accessible by bus to San Francisco War Memorial Opera House where she delighted in attending ballet and opera performances. She remained close to her late sister Irene (Wohlters) and her sister-in-law the late Eduarda Amaral Gutierrez (predeceased by husband, Marcus). Elsa left her heart in San Francisco when she finally moved to Atlanta, Georgia to be with her son Mike. She was a spirited person who lived life on her own terms. God bless her.
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San Francisco Chapter News by Alex Xavier
Spring Dinner Dance On Sunday, April 19, 2009, San Francisco Chapter held its Spring Dinner Dance at the South San Francisco Elk’s Club. The hors d’oeuvres and buffet dinner was very delicious and enjoyed by all. Music was provided by George Campi and everyone danced to the mambo, cha cha cha, line dancing, waltz, tango, etc.; lots of fun! Many thanks go to Rita, Maureen, Mildred, Bernard, and Flavia for their help.
Reno Trip On Sunday/Monday, June 14 and June 15, 53 members and friends headed to Reno. We started the trip with juice, baked pork buns and curry puff. Yummy! Halfway through the trip we passed out snack bags and lucky money. When we arrived at the Cal Neva, many of us played black jack, three card poker, let it ride bonus and slots. There were quite a lot of lucky winners. Later we went to the Silver Legacy for the night. Gambling was fun and, again, lots of winners. Next morning we left to spend the last six hours at the Nugget. As usual, some of us wished for more time.
I wish to thank the following for their help loading and de-loading things on to the bus and passing out the goodies: Anthony Carion, Jerry Roliz, Miguel Roliz, Johnny Madeira, Danny Ribeiro, Rita Ribeiro, Mildred Brown and Maureen Xavier. Special thanks go to Horatio Carion for saving our bus from being towed away. Since you did such a good job, you’re elected to be bus police at the next Reno trip. Last, but not least, a big thank you to our treasurer, Bernard Brown, for handling the money for the purchases of food, etc.
As always, we would like to say “thank you” to all of you who support San Francisco Chapter.
Events for the rest of Year 2009
Friday, 7/24/09 S.F. Chapter Member Appreciation Lunch, Moon Star Restaurant, Daly City Monday, 8/10/09 All Day Social Friday, 10/9/09 S.F. Chapter Annual General Meeting, Larcombe Center at Doelgers Sun/Mon, 10/18-19 Reno Trip Saturday, 11/7/09 State Board Annual General Meeting, Café Doelger at Doelgers Friday, 12/4/09 Christmas Dinner Dance at South San Francisco Elk’s Club
Flyers will be sent as reminders.
All Members are encouraged to send in news you wish to share in the bulletin. Please feel free to call Alex Xavier at 650/991-2868, or mail your article to him at: 5 Belmont Drive, Daly City, Ca. 94015. His e-mail address is: [email protected] . Your input is appreciated.
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Greater East Bay Chapter By Maria F. Gomes
The next GEB event will be our Dim Sum Luncheon on Sunday, August 9 th , 2009 at the Imperial Seafood Restaurant, 1680-G Willow Pass Road, Concord, California. This event will be co-chaired by Terri da Silva, Vilma Remedios, and Maria Gomes. The Operating Committee members look forward to seeing you all again for a great get-together like our recent Chinese New Year Dinner. Please use the reservation form on the next page to send in your checks. Give me a call at 925-798-2005 if you need help arranging for a ride to the restaurant.
The Greater East Bay Chapter’s Annual General Meeting will be a Pot-luck Luncheon to be held on Saturday, October 10 th , 2009 at noon at the residence of Daniel and Maria Gomes. We welcome all our members to join us for a delicious luncheon and a productive meeting to finalize our Family Christmas Party. Please let us know by email, [email protected] , or phone, 925-798-2005, if you can join us, and let us know what you will be bringing for our Pot-Luck Luncheon.
Mark your calendars for a busy November. November 7 th will be the State Board AGM which will be hosted by the San Francisco Chapter, and November 8 th will the 50 th Anniversary Party for UMA, Inc. which will be held in Walnut Creek. There is also the 10 th Anniversary Dinner Dance Celebration of the Região Administrative Especial de Macau ( RAEM ) or Macau Special Administrative Region which will be held on Sunday, November 22 nd .
By popular demand, we will be having our Greater East Bay Chapter’s Family Christmas Party on Saturday, December 5 th , 2009 at the Walnut Country Community Center. Look for more information in the next UMA Bulletin.
NEW MEMBER : The Greater East Bay Chapter welcomes our new member Angela Gomes Renfro of Vancouver, B.C., Canada. Angela, we look forward to seeing you and Bill at our functions when you are in California.
Our GEB member Maria Helena Xavier informs us that her son Antonio was married on August 5, 2007 . We are also very happy to report that Robbie da Costa is doing well and recovering from his surgery. Robbie underwent total hip replacement surgery on March 16, 2009. The surgery was successful, but he suffered an unforeseen complication which caused a condition called "footdrop". He is hoping the affected nerve will heal itself. He would like to thank all who sent him prayer cards and get well cards, and all those who visited him bringing such delicacies as chum pei mui, ginger, biscotti, and delicious dishes of curry, minchi, cha siu pao, chow mein, etc. while recuperating in the nursing home. Please continue to pray for Robbie and all our other Greater East Bay members who are dealing with health issues, especially the family of Henry de Graca.
Giselle Beatrice Guterres
Claudine, wife of Gerald Guterres gave birth to a baby girl on June 13, 2009 in Sydney, Australia. The grandfather Alberto Guterres, a long-time member of the GEB chapter, is proud as punch of his new granddaughter Giselle Beatrice Guterres. Both mother and baby are doing well. Congratulations to the Guterres family.
We always appreciate receiving news to share in our bulletin. Please send it to Maria Gomes at 4394 N. Sweetbriar Ct., Concord, Ca. 94521 or email it to [email protected] .
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San Mateo Chapter News By Pauline de Assis
Members’ Appreciation Event – Reno Trip
Want to get away for a weekend to relax and enjoy yourself? Well, that was exactly what our UMA members decided to do, all for only $15.00 (for San Mateo Chapter members and a lesser than full price for the non chapter members). What a good deal, eh?! So, on March 29, 2009 with a busload of 60 people, off we went to Reno, to try to hit a few jackpots, at least for some of us.
The first pickup was in San Francisco, but the majority waited at the Rossmoor main clubhouse to be picked up. With a flurry of excitement to put away their bags in the storage compartment of the bus, the bus driver quickly took off when all got settled in. Raquel Remedios, President, then welcomed everyone to a lovely weekend and wished all a good time and big wins at the casinos.
The hungry members waited eagerly for the breakfast snacks of simosa and hot sauce (ordered and brought by Ozzie) and the delicious egg tarts. To while away the hours of the long ride, Bingo games were played with many happy winners.
Our first stop was at Cal Neva for a 6-hour stay with some coupon money, of course. Then when everyone got settled in their rooms at Silver Legacy with more moola ($5.00), that was when everyone had their own agenda as to where to wine and dine and where they preferred to gamble the night away or to see a show or to just go shopping. Next morning, a short night for some I take it, the happy-go-lucky gamblers couldn’t wait for their coupon money (another $10 and $3 food credit) to try their luck once more when they arrived at the Nugget.
Well, time goes by ever so fleetingly when you’re having fun and hitting a jackpot here and there and before we knew it, the bus was back ready to take us home. To commemorate the members’ special event, Jorge Remedios had his handy camera to take a group picture of the tired gamblers. The ride home was relaxing with a movie for those who wished to watch while others chose to snooze or read.
This was truly a joyous time to spend with friends, but we would not have been able to have so much fun if our Chair, Joanna Terra and hubby John, with their willing helpers, had not so tirelessly done all the leg work to ensure a successful event and a great time had by all. Well done indeed Joanna – thank you for all your hard work!! It paid off because the members had fun and really appreciated the Chapter’s generosity and thoughtfulness to show them a great fun weekend!
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San Mateo Mixed Triples Tournament
Due to graduations, etc., some bowlers couldn’t make it but the 36 bowlers who could were vying for wins, of course. After some breakfast sweets and the draw was made everyone was anxious to get going to beat the oncoming heat wave. Alas, the heat was really too much for a couple of people who had to concede. So, to avoid any more fall outs only two games of 12 ends were played rather than the three originally scheduled. With the fans going full blast, the heat exhausted bowlers welcomed the air-condition in the club house to cool off and drink lots of beer, soda and snacks to while away a couple of hours before the BBQ dinner. Some even brought their swim suits, and what better way to cool off than to dive into the sparkling blue water of the pool! Cooled off some, Chef Ed de Assis, and his able helpers headed up to Sportsmen’s Park to prepare the steaks for the BBQ and to have lots of Shandy on hand to keep the bowlers happy. Miguel Roliz brought along his ever popular Brazilian drink called Caipirinha for those who liked a little more zip to their drink. In a half hour or so the steaks were cooked up fast and the salads, rolls and butter had everyone lining up to get their fair share. Meantime, the musicians, Peter Souza, Miguel and Jerry Roliz, Bob Sequeira (with the sing alongs) got busy setting up their speakers, guitars, drums, and castanets to liven up the party with song. Ah, what a pleasant way to have a delicious steak dinner with trimmings, a cook drink and music to complete a now cooled off heat- wave-of-a-day – just super! Desserts, of course, followed and everyone enjoyed the sweet and juicy watermelon and/or the three varieties of pound cakes. And the music played on with everyone joining in as the sun had not yet set and balmy breezes made for a really enjoyable evening. It was that time of day to announce the winners of the games and to award the perpetual trophy, so Raquel Remedios, San Mateo Chapter President, did the honors. The lucky winners were: 1 st Place: Bob Sequeira, Francis Carion and Magdalen Pereira 2 nd Place: Miguel Roliz, Mariette Rozario and Suzie Eriksen/Bob Lewis (substitute) 3 rd Place: Ed Guterres, Horatio Carion and Gladys Marques 4 th Place: Lionel Guterres, Ingmar Eriksen and Al Pereira Two other prizes were awarded, that of highest one game winner: Joe Shepard, Lucy Guterres and Joanne Segovia, and highest last game winner: Len Gaan, Dick Kramer (substitute) and Melina Carion. There were also the traveling bags for teams who scored 4 or more points on one end.
Although the revelers continued in their song, the day was slipping away so as the guests began to depart, cleanup time was upon us and willing hands made it fast and easy. We have to thank many people such as Sandy Souza, Marie Guterres, Ed de Assis and all who assisted in one way or another, who made this bowling event a day we will always remember – that hot spring day in 2009 where bowlers and guests had a blast in spite of the tremendous heat!!
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Southern California Chapter News By Sally Carchidi
In May 2009, Delano and Barbara Pereira departed So. Calif. to join their children/grandchildren in Oregon. Besides their long association as active members of the So. Calif. Chapter, they have both held various positions as Directors and Officers of our Chapter and the State Board. They both worked very hard on behalf of UMA, and all of us would like to express our sincere appreciation to them. Barbara and Delano, your UMA friends in So. Calif. wish you many years of happiness in your new home in Oregon as you enjoy the company of your children and grandchildren. Come back and visit us from time to time, and may God bless you both with many years of good health and happy days. Joe & Sally Carchidi’s 50th Wedding Anniversary by Rita Guterres: Joe and Sally (da Silva) Carchidi promised to love and honor one another on June 6, 1959, at our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Downey, Ca. On Saturday, June 6, 2009, exactly fifty years later, with the addition of three daughters (Kathy, Laurie and Debbie) and five grandchildren (Evan, Eric, Alec, Joseph and Stefanie), they renewed their wedding vows at St. Philip Benizi Church in Fullerton, Ca. The Readings and Prayers used in the ceremony were read by their three daughters and granddaughter Stefanie (age 9).
The ceremony was officiated by Fr. David Gallegos, O.S.M. and attended by relatives and friends who had traveled from near and far. Sally was radiant in her rose colored gown and Joe looked proud and handsome in his white tuxedo as they walked down the aisle, arm in arm, preceded by their family .
A luncheon reception, hosted by their family, followed at Coyote Hills Country Club in Fullerton. The "open bar" was a popular watering hole. After the Blessing by son-in-law Dave Bedillion, the guests were then seated and dined on Prime Rib, Tuscany Chicken or a Vegetarian Entree. Of course, red and white wine were flowing freely during lunch. In keeping with Portuguese tradition, "coqueira" was served to the guests .
Following lunch, their oldest daughter Kathy toasted her parents and expressed her and her sisters' gratitude to their parents for their unconditional love and help, and she especially commended Joe for his patience and tolerance with four females in the house.
Bob (Sonny) Sequeira, the well-known D.J. from No. California, provided the enjoyable music for the party. Bob is a childhood friend of Sally and their friendship continues to this day. Bob sang "Can't Help Falling in Love With You" and dedicated it to Joe and Sally as they danced the first dance. Jackie Castro performed the Hawaiian Prayer dance and also dedicated it to Joe and Sally to the delight of everyone. Guests who had already celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary were invited to the dance floor, and it was a wonderful surprise to see twenty-one couples who have reached this milestone. What a great testament to marriage!! We wish them many more years of joyful togetherness.
A video, produced by son-in-law Chris Hochgurtel, of the Carchidi family's life and travel over fifty years was shown, and truly God has blessed the Carchidis as it was obvious their family radiated love and joy for each other. Guests were invited to sign a pictorial guestbook created by daughter Debbie .
Friends and relatives in attendance were acknowledged by Sally, among whom were several who had traveled a great distance - Sally's brother Ric & his wife Moira from Hawaii, and from No. Calif. cousins Jim & Kristine Silva, Peter & Gerry Inwards, Jacqueline d'Eca, Virginia Silva, and nieces Nancy Hagmann, Andrea Forgy, Cheryl Remedios, Mary Jane Herr & husband John. Their presence was much appreciated by Joe and Sally. We wish Joe and Sally many more healthy and happy years and God's blessings. UMA NEWS BULLETIN – Summer Issue 2009 Page 22 of 36
Southern California News
The Bride and Groom on their wedding day 50 years ago.
Eulogy to Eduardo da Silva by his brother Dr. Lionel da Silva
We gather to honor and pay homage to my brother Eduardo or Ed, as he was known to many of you. His death has brought us together in our shared grief. He and his wife Janice will have been married 50 years next month. They were blessed with three children, Ted, Tom and Julia and seven grandchildren – Michael, Stefanie, Anthony, Samantha, Sabrina, Lauren and Miranda. They met at our former parish church in Downey at a young people's club called “the Dolphins”. I am pleased and proud to acknowledge the presence of many of these same Dolphin members here today for this service.
Ed was a devoted family man. He was a loving, loyal and faithful husband. A caring, understanding and supportive father. A doting, proud and affectionate grandfather, and a very special brother. He was the second oldest in our family of seven children, preceded in death by his older brother, Henry. Following my father's and Henry' s deaths, he assumed the role of head of our family. He and Janice welcomed our aging and widowed mother into their home despite close living quarters and a growing family of their own. When she later moved to a retirement facility, he visited her daily and catered to her every need without complaint. My family and I are forever grateful for their kindness and the loving care that they showed her.
In his youth, Ed was an accomplished track athlete in the sprints, and later in life in the 800 meters. At our school, La Salle College, Hong Kong, track athletes participated in events by their height and weight – as midgets, juniors or seniors. My brother Rick reminded us recently that Ed was our "Midget Champion". That
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Southern California News comment elicited a smile on Ed's face. While we were in Macau as refugees during WWII, he entered the Colony Championship in the 800 meters and came a respectable fourth.
Ed was my older brother but also my “champion”. I recall my first few days in school at the age of six(6). A servant escorted me to the bus. I was always small in stature for my age, and a larger and hefty English lad would push me and the other smaller kids aside to get on the bus. When asked by Ed how my first few days at school went, I casually mentioned our daily jousts at the bus stop. He accompanied me to the bus stop the next day and told that bully to leave us little kids alone! We never had any trouble after that. I was always a feisty little kid, and never backed down from the bigger kids because I knew that my “Champion” would always come to my rescue !
When the Japanese invaded HK in December 1941, our family was evacuated from the mainland Kowloon to the island of HK. We were housed with many other families in an Italian Convent Boarding School during the siege of HK. My father, a reserve officer in the HKVDC (equivalent to our National Guard) was called to active duty somewhere on the island, and my older brother Henry was quartered at the HK and Shanghai Bank Bldg where he was employed. As the siege wore on, water and food were in short supply. The Nuns, in anticipation of this, had hoarded water in empty bathtubs that they kept locked up. Ed and his friends circumvented these locked doors and we were never short of water. Our food rations consisted of some boiled rice and dried and sinewy meat. The Convent was in an enclosed compound with barbed wire atop the walls. Curfew was enforced at sundown to discourage looting, but Ed and his friends would scale the walls to find us supplemental food.
My brother Ed was a retired CPA at the time of his death. He was a dedicated professional, a man of honesty and integrity. He was proud of his work and meticulous in details. Every penny had to be accounted for in his audits. He was always available to help us with our taxes, our audits and other financial problems. Ed was also employed by Hughes Aircraft for over 30 years, rising to the position of Assistant Controller at their Fullerton Facility at the time of his retirement.
Ed was a man of firm convictions, but at times stubborn to the point of exasperation. On one of our trips to Macau he was convinced that his knowledge of Cantonese was still good, and insisted on ordering lunch at a Chinese Restaurant in Cantonese. Lo and behold, lunch arrived with two platters of chicken feet !!! Not quite what he thought he had ordered. He accepted the ribbing and laughter with good humor.
To you, his grandchildren, in your grieving for your Grandpa always remember the good times you shared together especially the laughter and joyful moments.
In his younger days he was a sturdy and healthy young man, a body builder and weight lifter. Age and mounting medical problems clouded his last few years. Heart disease leading to quadruple by-pass surgery and subsequent strokes left him confined to a walker and wheelchair. Despite his disabilities he managed to get to Church most Sundays and religious holidays. He suffered with courage, fortitude and acceptance. Never once did he ask God “Why me?” He knew that the end was near and he was prepared for it. He knew that everything happens for a reason and he was reconciled to the will of God. In the end he did not suffer but passed peacefully in his sleep.
We have lost a dear and senior member of our family. I want to extend my heartfelt sympathy to Janice. In these past six(6) months, she has suffered the sudden and unexpected loss of her oldest son Ted, and now the death of her husband. I want to thank and compliment her for always being there for Ed. Her love for him was unquestioned even through the most difficult times. We all feel your pain and we grieve with you.
Ed will be missed and cherished by many. In the days ahead, let us find comfort and strength from our family, friends, and, most importantly, in the grace of a loving God.
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Alves, Jose Luis (Dick) passed away peacefully in Wellington NZ on May 17, 2009 aged 91. He is survived by his wife Laura Maria nee Yvanovich (Lo), son Andre, Jacqueline, grandsons Lucas and Kevin and sister, Margarida (Margie) Yvanovich in Canberra, Australia. do Amaral, Elsa (nee da Silva). Elsa , age 94, was born in Hong Kong and died on 9 May 2009 at Atlanta, Georgia. She was the widow of Mario do Amaral. She is survived by her son Michael (wife Geraldine), her grandson Dominic, her granddaughter Christina, and her brother Armando da Silva .
Campos, Carmelita “Lita” passed away in her home in the early hours of February 27, 2009 at the age of 96. She is survived by her daughter Lenore de Carvalho, her son Ray Campos and her grand children Marco & Andrew de Carvalho and Rachel Baum. A Family funeral service was held on Monday March 2, 2009. She is interred with her husband Rennie in Holy Sepulcher Cemetery in Hayward. Lita’s family would like to thank those of you that extended their condolences, phone calls, sympathy/mass cards.
DaLuz, Adelina died peacefully at her home in Pacifica on January 24, 2009. She was 67. She is survived by her husband of more than 40 years, Anthony DaLuz. She was the beloved mother of Cintia (Erik) Doran of Pacifica. She was the proud Grandmother of Christopher and Antonio Doran . A memorial Mass was celebrated on Saturday January 31, 2009 at The Church of the Good Shepherd in Pacifica followed by a reception in St. Rita Hall next door. Private family interment took place at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, Colma on Monday February 2nd. 2009.
Da Rocha, Herculano (Josico ) passed away in Macau on the 29th April 2009 after a prolonged illness, leaving wife Patricia, daughters Bella, Norma and sons Roggie and Manuel, and sister Natalia. Burial service conducted by Father Lancelot"
Da Rosa, Jose Augusto beloved brother of Natercia (Tess), Rafael and Sheila, Evelyn (Ikey) and Eddie, Fernando (Fred) and Jeannette, and Mario; much loved uncle, great uncle and great grand uncle of the Chaves, da Rosa, Drabbie, Garcia and Collins families; passed away peacefully on May 17, 2009, at Taipo Hospital .
Fenton, Brother Herman F.S.C passed away peacefully on Saturday, 21 February 2009 at 4.30 pm at the ripe old age of 95. Brother Herman was born in County Limerick, Ireland in April 1913. He arrived in Hong Kong together with Brother Richard Egan in October 1947. Brother Herman taught in La Salle College from 1947 to 1969.
Machado, Marie Christine - April 19, 1935 - May 28, 2009 lost her battle with cancer. She is truly at peace and is now resting with God. She was surrounded by her immediate family. She is survived by her children: Brian Machado, Michelle Machado, Dennis Machado and Andrea La Salle, and Grandchildren: Christopher Gomes, Monique Machado, Nancy Machado, Michael La Salle, Angela Martinez, Ryan Machado and Tommy La Salle as well as her brothers: Mickey Remedios (Seattle), Bob Remedios (San Mateo) and Chappy Remedios (Toronto).
Rodriguez, Olga (Noronha) ( affectionately known as Molly) was born on October 7, 1930 and passed away peacefully on May 19, 2009 in Sydney, Australia.. She is survived by daughter Carol and son Mario and many grand children. She was predeceased in death by her beloved husband Alberto and her son Bernie.
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