My great grandfather Marciano A. Baptista is considered

Transcription

Vol. 29. No. 3
A Publication of UMA, Inc
July - September 2006
Editor: Daniel Gomes, 4394 N. Sweetbriar Ct, Concord, Ca 94521 E-Mail: [email protected]
By Joe Baptista
(Editor’s Note: Most of the paintings depicted here were in color, unfortunately we have to reproduce it
in black & white)
My great grandfather Marciano A. Baptista is considered Macao’s finest 19th Century painter, yet
comparatively little is know about his life. He was born in Macau in 1826 and died in 1896 in
Hongkong. In 1840s he began working for George Chinnery, the celebrated Irish painter in Macau who
was then well advanced in years. He showed exceptional ability as a painter and Chinnery gave him
lessons in water color painting
The family recalls hearing that my great grandfather’s association with Chinnery began when, as a small
boy, he tagged along with Chinnery in Macau and did odd jobs for the Irish painter in order to learn the
trade. He achieved a high standard of excellence as a painter in water colors, and was know for the fine
detail and coloring of his paintings. His early paintings resembled Chinnery’s style but as he matured he
began to develop a definite style of his own. His sketches of the little girl with the full Madonna-like
face and carefully tied kerchief on the girl’s head are as exact as Chinnery’s – so is the girl’s familiar
graceful pose. Late in 1840s he married Miss Maria Josefa do Rosario, daughter of Mr. Joaquim do
Rosario, a clerk in the employ of the Hong Kong Government as an English-Chinese Interpreter in the
courts.
My great grandfather, Marciano Sr. loved to paint and tried his skills on “A-Ma Temple”, in Macao.
He painted the temple from different angles, in fact, according to Martin Gregory, an art expert, his
paintings of “A-Ma Temple” are most prized by collectors.
Dutch Folly Fort, Canton
UMA NEWS BULLETIN – Fall Issue 2006
A-Ma Temple, Macao
Page 1 of 36
Marciano A. Baptista (Continuation)
He made numerous sketches and paintings of the daily street scenes of Chinese engrossed in card
games, relaxing on picnics, gathering of large groups and many harbor views of Macau and Canton.
There are two oil paintings of “Street Scenes” circa 1850, which he completed when he was 26 or 27
years old, and now on display at the Luis Cameos Museum in Macau. My cousin Cecilia Alarcon has a
lovely collection of sketches by our great grand-father in her album.
Street Scenes of Picnic in Macao, Circa 1850
Street Scene in Canton, Circa 1850
The most active periods of his career was between 1850 and 1870. Mr. Jack Braga, in his book Boletim do
Institute Luis De Cameos say, “Marciano was a quiet and gentle man, always ready to help in any good cause.
Mr. Baptista will best be remembered by old-timers of Hongkong for his splendid work in connection with
theatrical shows produced by the Hongkong Amateur Dramatic Society, and in particular one of the Society’s
most brilliant successes, the pantomime Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves. My great grand-father took on the
responsibility for redecorating the dome of the Theatre Royal in Hongkong every year until his death. Mr. Jack
Braga, estimates that Marciano Sr. painted approximately 90 to 100 paintings, mostly water colors. He also
painted the ceiling and altar of Sao Antonio and Sao Lourenco churches. Below are some of his paintings in
water color of life in Coastal China in the 1800’s.
Nature Landing Place, Amoy, Circa 1850
Shameen, Canton, Circa 1856
Page 2 of 36
Marciano A. Baptista ( Continuation)
Royal Visit HK 1856, HRH Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh
Praya Grande, Macau, Circa 1856
Page 3 of 36
Marciano A. Baptista
Western Factories, Canton 1855
In 1895 he completed a large painting (10’ X 6’) in commemoration of the Royal Visit by the Duke of
Edinburgh to Hongkong for Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee.
On 11/3/1896, about 3 weeks before his death, he completed an oil painting (24” X 16”) of the “The
Royal visit of HRH Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburg, aboard HMS Gallatin. Marciano Baptista Sr.
drew the scene from Bowen Road ( mid-levels), Hongkong. This painting is now in the Board Room of
Jardine Matheson & Company in Bermuda.
One painting, in particular was very dear to Marciano’s heart, “A Scene of Canton”, which was
reclaimed by Marciano Sr. after Chinnery’s death.
Scene of Canton (Reclaimed by Marciano Baptista after Chinnery’s death)
Page 4 of 36
The first Hong Kong reference to my great grand-father appeared in the Letters to the Editor column of a
Hongkong newspaper in early 1850’s. The correspondent urged local people to patronize Baptista, a student of
Chinnery, instead of the Chinese painters of the time who were doing similar harbor and street scenes.
In the mid 19th century there was a group of Chinese painters on Wellington Street, painting views of Hongkong
to satisfy sea captains and other visitors with mementos of the Island. Some sources suggest that Marciano
joined with these Chinese painters and credit him with being a sort of cultural ambassador, linking the Chinese
artist with the European clientele.
One stumbling block in compiling his works is his tendency not to sign his works. Perhaps modesty accounts for
this practice but in a few cases it is possible to detect his initials. The Hongkong City Hall’s supply of his
watercolors, only one has a signature – here an untypical “M Baptista” has been scratched, perhaps with a pin,
into the color.
Photography first trickled into the British Colony in 1860’s and abruptly created competition for the scores of
landscape painters earning a living on Wellington Street. Scores of photographic studios welcomed tourist who
now could order their preferred harbor views by the number. Complete albums even were prepared so the
tourist could take home remembrances of many Hongkong scenes, all ready mounted and captioned. After
witnessing a French photographer take a picture of the fleet assembled in Hong Kong harbor, Marciano soon
realized the potential of photography so he ordered photographic equipment from Europe and began to take
pictures of Hong Kong everyday scenes. Many of these photographs may be seen in the pictorial section of the
National Library of Australia in Canberra. After moving to Hong Kong and having a large family to provide for,
my grandfather became an art teacher at a number of schools, including St. Joseph’s (then known as St.
Xavier’s) to augment his income. He occasionally provided designs to be used as the basis for scenery for a
London theatre show with a Hong Kong background.
A lawyer in Macau, Dr. Silver Mendes scrupulously collected his works and unearthed new material
about Marciano Sr., which he published in several articles. He claims that Marciano’s development
was encouraged by Chinnery and even shared some of his secrets with the young artist.
Mr. Henrique Nolasco da Silva paid HK$500 for 8 etchings from Marciano Sr. (4 of Macau and 4 of
Canton), but these etchings disappeared after World War II.
The first recorded appearance in an exhibition was in Macau in 1920 and subsequently occasional
paintings of his have cropped up in exhibitions of “China Trade” paintings, illustrating life in the ports
of southern China used by Westerners. Mr. Martyn Gregory a London Art dealer has a small album
containing more then 30 sketches signed with Baptista’s name which appears to be genuine.
Macau’s Camoes Museum collection has 10 of his paintings, and this has formed a good foundation for
his works. The Hongkong Museum of Art also has a small number of his paintings. Other Hong Kong
collectors, including Mr. Peter J. Thompson also have about 20 of his paintings.
Page 5 of 36
Below are some postcard created by Marciano Baptista Sr.:
The Hair cut
The Rickshaw
Page 6 of 36
His son Marciano Baptista Jr., my grandfather opted for a more secure career as a clerk of Johnson, Stokes and
Masters, however he also continued the Baptista artistic traditions and painted the portrait of his father
Marciano Sr., which is now on display in the Luis Camoes Museum in Macau.
Marciano Baptista Jr’s son, also called Marciano III (Nanali), my uncle, was also an accomplished artist
and became proficient in “Illuminating Manuscripts”. He was commissioned to prepare an ornate
scroll marking the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in 1938. As a POW in the
Sham Shui Po Camp, he designed all the scenes for the plays at camp. One ingenious scene featured a
false radio. When the music blared forth, the Japanese guard looking on lurched forward, fearful that
the men had built a real radio. He did not notice the small band behind the curtain and the female
impersonator whose “make up” was artfully applied by Nanali. It sounded like a Bob Hope show. After
the war, he was much sought out for his flair for designing ‘illuminated address and farewell
presentation gifts’, to retiring officials or other important persons requiring special artistic treatment .
He was awarded an M.B.E for his military service.
Photograph supplied by Catherine Remedios
The World Cup played in Germany over the past summer brought back many happy memories of
bygone games between the Recreio Portuguese and the Middlesex Regiment in Hong Kong. The
Quarter final match between Portugal and England brought me to my feet, and the final score brought
great shouts of joy in the Gomes household as we watched the game. Unfortunately, the semi-finals
between Portugal and France did not fare so well for our side. Here is a picture with the names of the
players of the 1925 Soccer Game played in Shanghai on Saturday, 11th April 1925 between the Hong
Kong and Shanghai Portuguese Clubs. This picture was submitted by Catherine Remedios. The
Captain of the Hong Kong Team was her father “Baba”. See if you can pick out your fathers, uncles,
relatives or friends of the family in this distinguished group of “Filo Macs”. Approximately 5000
spectators watched the game – can you imagine 5000 Macanese watching any game together? Wow!!
In those days there was a sizable identifiable Macanese Community in Hong Kong and Shanghai. “Que
Treste”, our community has dwindled over the last 50 years and many of the current generation do not
identify with our community.
Page 7 of 36
Page 8 of 36
Before beginning his presentation on July 16 to approximately 50 members of the three Clubs (Casa de Macau,
USA; Lusitano Club of California; and UMA, Inc.), Mr. Chao, our architect, emphasized the importance of
keeping our cultural background. He said that "integrity" is the most important virtue for us to display to the
City and our neighbors.
Mr. Chao described the proposed plan in detail and indicated that his initial meeting with the City left him
encouraged. However, one of the individuals at City Planning was not available and he would meet again with
the members after he had received the suggestions for changes and received the final approval from the Macau
Cultural Center Board. He asked those present to "dream wild dreams" for this could be our one and only
chance. It was asked that all recommendations be sent to Art Britto.
The subject of the toilet at the ground floor level came up and several individuals were most vocal about not
having it. Mr. Chao then mentioned that this already existed and it would not be very expensive to retain the
toilet and to have it fixed up. The question then came up as to who should have excess to it. The concern about
possible liability if shared with future tenants and renters of the hall was brought up as well as cleaning the area
after each function. The consensus was that this toilet area should be locked up and restricted to the use of
members only.
The issue of the elevator was brought up and questions raised about whether or not it would go to the 3rd floor
and if this would be a problem. Mr. Chao assured those present that this would not be a problem, that he had
planned for it going to the 3rd floor, and recommended that we went with a heavier, more substantial elevator to
prevent possible liability suits. He covered the reasons thoroughly.
A few of the members present were interested in creating an impressive and inviting J Street entrance and this
too was discussed at length. Mr. Chao also mentioned that the sidewalk belonged to the City and covered some
of the difficulties involved in designing the entrance to provide access for the handicapped.
Mr. Chao challenged the Macau Cultural Center Board and those present to come up with a strategic long term
plan and to establish committees for this purpose. He fielded all the questions extremely well and everyone
present was most impressed both with his experience, his demeanor, and the way he made his presentation.
Since this presentation, the proposed plans (per drawings) have been presented to the City of Fremont and are
now pending permit approval to start the renovation process. A three- stop 2500-lb elevator has also been
ordered from OTIS Elevator Co. with a four month delivery time. If all goes well, the building should be
completed for use by mid-2007.
Ownership of the Clubhouse
At the MCC Board of Directors meeting of July 25, 2006, six Directors attended the meeting and one of the
items discussed was “who owned the Clubhouse”. All six Directors reviewed the Articles of Incorporation and
the Grant Letter dated September 20, 1999 and unanimously agreed that the Macau Cultural Center owns and
runs the building on behalf of the three USA clubs – Casa de Macau, USA, Lusitano Club of California, and
UMA, Inc. It is also understood by the Directors of the Macau Cultural Center that the building is owned by the
three USA clubs.
Alex Xavier, President, UMA Inc.
Page 9 of 36
State Board Annual General Meeting (AGM)
This year the State Board AGM will be hosted by San Mateo Chapter on November 18, 2006 at the Pacifica
Community Center from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. All members are encouraged to attend this very important
meeting. It is also the election of your new State Board Officers and Directors. Those wishing to attend this
very important meeting should contact San Mateo Chapter President Ed de Assis at 925-943-2003.
Should UMA, Inc. continue with Chapters or become One Club?
The membership will be asked to vote on this very important issue. A show of hands will decide once and for
all if UMA, Inc. should consolidate its three Chapters in the North into One Club with one Chapter in the South
or remain with three Chapters in the North and one in the South. Your vote on this issue is very important.
Assessment of funds
The State Board Account has no funds of its own other than what is assessed to the Chapters to pay bills. It is
true that in order to meet the expenses, the Chapters may be assessed more than what they take in from dues
from their members. Perhaps we can devise a way that we can keep costs down and keep the assessments down.
The biggest expense that we have is the bulletin. We pay Print Copy Xpress approximately $1,046.85 to print
the bulletin every three months and we pay Precise Mailing Inc. $964.71 to print the mailing labels and mail the
bulletins every three months.
Perhaps we should revert back to the time when the Chapters mailed their own bulletins. This could very well
save on the cost of printing and mailing. The Chapters know how many copies they need and where they need
to mail the bulletins.
The Editor prints five copies of the bulletin and mails one copy to each of the four Chapters. The Chapters
would then print the necessary number of bulletins for their members and place the necessary stamps on the
bulletin and mail them. This is really not that difficult to do at all.
The next item on the assessment list is the hosting of the AGM. Each Chapter is allowed to incur an expense of
$2,500 in hosting the AGM. The State Board Account will reimburse the hosting Chapter for the cost of the
AGM and any traveling expense of their three Directors.
We can eliminate this expense from the assessment if the Chapters agree to foot the bill for the AGM and pay
the traveling expense of their Directors. The only exception to the rule would be Southern California Chapter
who would be subsidized by the State Board Account for the traveling expense of Southern California Directors.
This would have to be agreed to by all four Chapters.
We could easily cut down the assessment to $3,000.00 or $4,000.00 a year. The only annual expense then
would be the Insurance of $2,000.00 plus and the annual income tax expense of $350.00 plus some incidental
expense.
All of the above would be listed on the Agenda for the upcoming State Board Annual General Meeting.
Alex Xavier, President, UMA, Inc.
Page 10 of 36
KEITH HARPER
Article appeared in Native American Times, Tulsa, Ok. Permission granted by Keith Harper
Edited by Daniel Gomes
Keith Harper, son of Doreen (Luz) McKissack has been made a managing partner of the law firm of Kilpatrick
Stockton, a full-service International law firm with more than 480 attorneys in nine offices across the globe.
Keith is part Cherokee and represented tens of thousands of Native Americans in the Indian trust
lawsuit. Keith is one of the country's leading Native American affairs attorney, and his depth of
experience will only enhance an already outstanding and well-recognized team.
"Keith has been an instrumental force in representing over a half a million Native Americans in our landmark
case -- Cobell v. Kempthorne," said Elouise Cobell, the Blackfeet woman credited with bringing the issue of
Indian trust funds to the public arena. "Keith's hard work in this great struggle since the day it was filed over 10
years ago is a testament to his commitment and dedication. I look forward to continuing to work with him as part
of Kilpatrick Stockton's team."
Now known as Cobell v. Kempthorne, the case is a class-action lawsuit filed in 1996 in U.S. District Court in
Washington, D.C. to require the Federal government to account for billions of dollars belonging to
approximately 500,000 American Indians and their heirs, and held in trust since the late 19th century. Kilpatrick
Stockton has been involved in the representation of Cobell since 1996. The case recently again made headlines
when a court acquiesced to a government request to remove Judge Royce Lamberth from the case.
Keith Harper is a member of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma. He received a B.A. in sociology and
psychology from the University of California, Berkeley and a J.D. from New York University (NYU) School of
Law. Following law school, Keith worked in private practice at Davis, Polk & Wardwell and then served as law
clerk to Judge Lawrence W. Pierce of the U.S. Court of Appeals, Second Circuit. Keith later joined the Native
American Rights Fund, were he became involved in the Cobell case. He is also the past president of the Native
American Bar Association of Washington, DC and is a recipient of the Rockefeller Foundation's NGL
Fellowship.
He taught "Federal Indian Law" at Catholic University Columbus School of Law and American University
Washington College of Law. Since January 2001, Keith has served as appellate judge on the Mashantucket
Pequot Tribal Court.
Page 11 of 36
CECILIA’S STILL LAUGHING AT 100
Joyce (Osmund) Van langenberg, reported that her mother Cecilia Osmund turned 100 on July 24, 2006 at
her Enfield home, near London.
Cecilia was born in Hong Kong on July 24, 1906 and brought up in a large family of ten siblings. One
memory which stands out for Cecilia is the Hong Kong strike of 1924 which was sparked by antiforeign feeling throughout China. Government officials were forced to milk cows. British soldiers
manned ferry boats and Christian Brothers handled the mail.
Cecilia was showered with presents and a card from the Queen at her party, attended by daughter Joyce,
son Robert, six grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Joyce said: “Mom is very gregarious,
optimistic and always laughing. She is in good health and still very lively. Her pleasures are crocheting
and sewing”.
CLUB DE RECREIO CELEBRATING IT’S CENTENARY YEAR
Recreio is preparing a Centenary Souvenir Program and need pictures of the Hockey team from pre-war era and
the 50s. They have photos of both Recreio men's and ladies' teams from the 60s and 70s, however, they have
nothing from the pre-war era and the 50s. It would be nice to have some of these photos included in their
magazine.
Any assistance you can offer to Club de Recreio would be greatly appreciated. Please contact Vasco J. Da
Costa, Hockey Coordinator, Club de Recreio. Email: [email protected]
Page 12 of 36
THE PORTUGUESE CONNECTION
(The following e-mail correspondence was reprinted in the March-April 2006 edition of the Bulletin of the Igud Yotzei Sin,
the Association of Former Jewish Residents in China, of which Sasson Jacoby was Editor. The piece is titled "The
Portuguese Connection." Sas also reprinted Caramba’s article on “Return to Shanghai” in the Bulletin of the Igud Yotzei Sin,
It grieves me to have to report that Sasson Jacoby passed away in Jerusalem on June 12, 2006.)
My dear Jorge:
Thanks for the many stuff you send me, which I scatter among my friends all over the world. They are also
appreciative. I'm sending you by airmail our latest Bulletin where I've written a longish article about our late
Cantonese cook Ah Chan, which I'm sure you'll enjoy, because it shows how we in Shanghai used to live - just
as you Macanese lived in Hong Kong. I've browsed through the latest UMA Bulletin and was struck by the
Shanghai story written by "Caramba." I'm thinking of running it in our next Bulletin, maybe slightly shortened.
Who is Caramba? I vaguely remember something written by him from Portugal, or am I wrong?
In the obits, I read about the death of Carl da Silva. He was from Shanghai and was married to a Russian Jewish
woman and had a son Roby as listed in the obit. I knew "Cala Cala" which was his nickname quite well in the
1950s and 1960s in Jerusalem. He was a barman, and at that time was probably the only professional one in
Israel in those days. A Shanghai Jewish friend and ! often visited him at the various nightclubs and pubs where
he worked, including at one time in the prestigious King David Hotel. He was quite happy being in Israel. I
hadn't seen him in the last years. I well remembered his wife, who worked in Jerusalem as a hairdresser; a friend
recently told me she is still working. Incidentally, according to Jewish religious law, any issue of a gentile
married to a Jewish wife is considered Jewish. We follow the matrilineal line. I don't know whether Roby
considered himself Jewish but I know he served in the Israeli army and to all purposes was 100% Israeli, never
mind his religion. I now know he is married, lives in Eilat, our southernmost Red Sea resort and has children, so
the da Silva family name continues.
Anyway, it is rather sad to see the old timers going away like this. Now and again I find someone I knew in your
obits. For instance, I had a close friendship with Guido Botelho who was a journalist colleague of mine in
Shanghai. ! knew he planned to leave for Brazil after World War!I, but never knew he ended his days in
California, where I often visited to see my relatives, and missed a chance to meet him. Another was a classmate
of mine I knew as Bobby Klingenberg, who was a Latvian Eurasian and a popular mate. But lo and behold, I
found him in the UMA obit one day under the name Klingen, who had a Macanese wife.
I remember that one of the UMA Bulletins had an old photograph of a Lusitano football team in Shanghai some
time in the 1930s. I instantly recognized two players, one was Humberto Collaco, and the other, Bobby Favacho.
They were great players and their names were well known at the time I began my career as a sports reporter in
1938. I suppose I could go on and on, which shows that the older I become, the more I remember of my early
days. All my regards to you and yours.
THE TRANSITIONS
A novel by Felipe B. Nery
Filipe Nery has just published a new novel called ‘The Transitions’. This is a novel about a fictitious character
called Miguel Chaves who was born in Macau of a Portuguese father and a mixed race mother. Miguel received
his initial education in Macau at the Seminario de Sao Jose and Liceu. In 1937 he went to Shanghai to embark
in a career and to establish what he believed to be a secure future for himself. He, like so many Macanese,
returned to Macau after the communist came to power in China, and then made his way to America. It is a novel
that reflects the Diaspora of the Macanese people. The novel can be purchased from: Author House, 1663
Liberty Drive, Suite 200, Bloomington, IN 47403. Fax: 812-961-13134. Email Bk.: [email protected].
Cost per book is $13.40, plus Shipping/Handling of $7.00.
Page 13 of 36
LANTAU ISLAND REVISITED
By Joyce van Langenberg
Whilst in Hong Kong my husband Gerald and I spent a night in his brother's luxurious holiday flat in
the new development of high-rise flats in Tung Chung, Lantau. It felt strange reposing on a king size
bed set against a formidable glass pane window on the 58th floor overlooking the bay below. Attractive
coastal lights twinkle like fairy lights on a Christmas tree. This scene set in motion well-remembered
thoughts of a different Lantau before the modern world intruded upon its tranquillity with a vengeance.
In the mid-fifties Tung Chung was a backwater of scant villages, a fishing harbour and old rice fields.
Today, it is a bustling town of high-rise buildings, shops, restaurants, supermarkets, a cinema, a bus
terminus and MTR station.
At the time of colonial rule Lantau was a rural treasure island of mountain trails, sandy beaches and
open spaces, sublimely tranquil, the air pure and unpolluted. Waterfalls tumble through secluded
ravines. My fellow hikers and I discovered a cataract ringed by boulders that trapped the cascading
water to form a pool fashioned by nature. After hours spent scrambling around grassy slopes and over
boulders we would plunge into this pool, fully clothed, shrieking in a rush of exuberance at the
suddenness of cold water. To this spot our host, the late Brook Bernacchi, an eminent barrister, would
send his guide with one of his retired racehorses to rescue anyone in our party suffering from excessive
tiredness. The horse was sure footed and perching on its back on the ascent to our destination in Ngong
Ping plateau, felt as safe as houses.
The seclusion of Ngong Ping plateau 520-metres high set amid spectacular mountain scenery on the
west slopes of Lantau Peak also attracted reclusive monks and abundant Buddhist monasteries sprang
up like daffodils in the spring. Always game for adventure we sometimes elected to spend time with
the monks in Po Lin (Precious Lotus) Monastery and slept on the bare floor impervious to the medley
of chanting mantras and the busy hum of mosquitoes. Our hospitable hosts shared their delicious
vegetarian diet with us of Chai, tofu tinted red, giving the appearance of 'Char Siu.'
I remember a bronze gong as round and as large as a Sumo wrestler, hung by leather straps in a wooden
frame with an enormous log striker directly opposite. Striking the gong it is said, releases a soul from
entrapment. At sunset guests were invited to strike the gong. This action required accuracy and strength
for the log was long and heavy. The sound rolled in waves through the grounds and inside the main
temple carrying with it the time-honoured tradition of revering the dead and one's ancestors.
Memory fades like ink on old letters and I can't recall how we all managed to cram into Brook's cottage.
Our laughter echoed across the vast plateau interspersed with sparse stone huts and one or two cottages.
For breakfast we ate bread, goat's cheese and drank goat's milk. We also took turns at milking an
obdurate goat that refused to stand still and we soon learned to our chagrin that running after our
breakfast was hard work. Brook took us on long walks along the hillsides imparting his knowledge of
tree species, rare orchids and shrubs of magnolias and camellias of indescribable beauty.
At night a million stars illuminate the sky and the cool breeze like the gentle hand of God caress the
translucent grass, a foot high, soothing the landscape hence the sobriquet 'sea of grass.'
Page 14 of 36
LANTAU ISLAND (Continuation)
When I observe my cousin, Noreen (Phillips) Sousa serving her guests at dinner in her flat in Repulse
Bay I have the memory of a slip of a girl on one of Brook's horses riding bareback in full gallop across
the plateau, wild and free, stirring up clouds of dust as she sped past. My throat constricts and I feel
tears prick my eyes. Nevertheless, Noreen has come a long way from those halcyon days in Ngong
Ping. She has 'moved on' renowned among her wide circle of friends all over the world for her warm
hospitality and culinary skills.
Lantau ('Broken Head') has changed radically making way for new development of high-rise buildings
to accommodate a population of 250,000. It is anticipated that this figure will rise to 270,000 as more
hills and mountains are levelled to make way for new buildings and roads.
Sadly, clouds of smog can often be seen settling on hills and mountains as the island struggles to remain
a rural retreat.
I was not enamoured with the 34-metre high Giant Buddha that faces the far older Po Lin monastery on
account of the overwhelming mass of people milling around the place at weekends.
But I did find Wisdom Path interesting. The path leads to a hillside exhibit of 38 wooden beams varying
in height from 8-10 metres and fashioned in the shape of the figure eight, representing symbols of
immeasurable splendour and infinity. Each wooden obelisk bears a portion of the famous 260-word
prayer carved in traditional Chinese calligraphy of the centuries-old Heart Sutra (wisdom of the heart)
well known to Buddhists all over the world. The most significant beam stands at the pinnacle of the
figure eight and is the only beam that is 'empty' of calligraphy and articulates the doctrine of 'Emptiness'
a self-detachment of irrational attachment to the things that bind and destroy the spirit.
We move with the times yet I feel certain Lantau will continue to attract tourists because, like Hong
Kong, it is in constant flux of change and there remains, thankfully, sufficient undisturbed terrain,
mountains and peaks to scale. I must admit to loving the place that once led me to a path of selfdiscovery and happiness.
A TALE ABOUT A YOUNG BOY AND SOME FLOWERS
Written by Thelma’s bowling club president and Submitted by Wiggy Bennett
Some years ago when bad language was rare in public or through our television screens, an alternative
was often used when it came to uttering an exclamation. I’m sure you would have heard it, but most of
you will have forgotten the phrase “Gordon Bennett !”
This term was used as an alternative for something that sounded not very nice, but what a different
thought comes to mind when we think of Thelma (Collaco) Bennett. Here was a lady who was
popular with everyone and the support that you have all shown today proves just how well liked she
was. It may surprise you to know that she was 84 years old.
Thelma was born in Hong Kong in 1922 and when the Japanese occupied Hong Kong during the war,
Thelma and her family were evacuated to Macao, not far from Hong Kong, but safe from the Japanese
army. After the war she returned to Hong Kong and it was there that Wig met and married her in 1948.
Wig was in the navy and sailed into Hong Kong harbour in the battle cruiser H.M.S. Sussex, but it was
many years before that, that fate took a hand in the eventual union.
Page 15 of 36
TALE ABOUT A YOUNG BOY (Continuation)
I know many of you have benefited from the Bennett family largess, with gifts of beans and other
vegetables from Wiggy and Thelma’s garden, but it was flowers that brought Thelma to Plympton
Bowling Club and it all started many years ago. Young wig had a small plot in his father’s garden in
Wales early in the last war and he would make a few bob selling his flowers to the local church. I don’t
know what kind of flowers he was growing but one of Mr Hitler’s bombers dropped his cargo right on
Wiggy’s flower patch, which to use a rather coarse but well used phrase “got right up Wiggy’s nose”,
and Wiggy was to lose a lucrative sideline, not to mention that the church also suffered, but the
church’s loss resulted in a very happy outcome for the Bennett family. At 15 years of age wig decided
to get his own back for the loss of his thriving business and joined the Royal Navy. While still in the
navy after the war, Wiggy found himself in Hong Kong and just by chance had decided to go to a local
dance where he met a very nice girl. He didn’t know it then, but this lady would become his wife and
they would remain happily married for 57 years, have 2 children and 6 grand children. They were
married in Hong Kong in 1948 but had to sail home in different ships. Thelma arrived a few days before
Wig and they went to live in Monmouth with Wiggy’s parents before coming to Plymouth in 1950
when Wiggy entered the submarine service.
I have had many hatch cup encounters with Thelma and she and I would shake our fists at each other
jokingly when she would regularly smash my team’s bowls all over the place. I rated Thelma as one of
the world’s outstanding firing leads , and I knew that if ever I saw a bowl with a large T on it trundling
down the rink, there was trouble ahead. she was a forehand player through and through, no matter what
the skip might ask her to do, she would never hear the skip or make eye contact until the bowl was on
it’s way. That was Thelma, what a player, what a lady, and what a story, that all began a long time ago
with a young boy and some flowers !
(Editor’s Note: Many of you old timers will remember Thelma Collaço as the formidable pitcher of
the Wildcats. Wiggy writes, that Thelma worked as a nurse in the main Plymouth Hospital for quite
sometime where she was much appreciated. In later years, after retirement, she took up Lawn Bowling
and Short Mat Bowling, both of which she thoroughly enjoyed. Thelma was a wonderful influence on
her children and six grandchildren, inspiring them to seek higher education. Wiggy says, “She has been
a wonderful representative of the Macanese Community.)
1948 DESPIDIDA
Photo submitted by Cecilia Yvanovich Burroughs of Vienna, VA. via Eleanor Orth
Photo was taken on the occasion of the “Despedida” (farewell party) at Club Recreio in April 1948 for
Henrique and Cissie Barros on Henry's posting by Caltex to Canton.
With the invaluable help of Bosco Correa, we were able to identify all of the people in the photo and
compiled the attached list.
Page 16 of 36
2nd row:
Carlos Basto, Olga Lawrence, Wilfred Lawrence, Cano Basto, Olga Ribeiro Silva, Porphyrio Nolasco da Silva, Tulie
Barretto Victor , Alex “Alley” Azedo , Margie Alves Yvanovich, Phillip Yvanovich, Myra Noronha Ware,
unidentified male, Terry Noronha Larcina, Hilda Soares, Jose "Joe" Marques, Elvie Sequeira Marques, unidentified
female, Carlinho Roza Pereira, Hilda Guterres Alonco
3rd row:
Francisco "chico" Vieira Ribeiro, Maria Francisca Alves Vieira Ribeiro, Cissie Barros Botelho Noronha, Regina
Ribeiro Noronha, Tiddy Yvanovich Hyndman Xavier, Thelma Guterres, Olimpio Pinto Marques, Celeste
Marques Azedo, Laura "Lollie" Yvanovich Alves, Argentina Gonsalves, Arthur Basto, Helen Yvanovich, Bertie
Gosano, Mildred Osmund Noronha, Eddie Yvanovich Noronha, Marie Basto, Lina Silva-Netto Silva,Tuxie
Xavier Roza Pereira, Dickie Yvanovich Noronha
4th row:
Elisio Alves, Marie Ribeiro Ramchand, Lady Cynthia Silva Rodrigues, Maria Osmund Alves, Carlos "Charlie"
Correa, Julia Soares Correa, Zaida Barros Pinto Marques, Ilma Andrade Barros, Frederico "Lico" Barros, Elvina
Barros Figueiredo, Ernie Figueiredo, Teresa Yvanovich da Roza, Trudy Basto, Palmera "Pam" Yvanovich
Gosano, Aida Noronha Nolasco da Silva, Olga Basto Gosano, Jacky Noronha
5th row:
Antonio "Smokey" Xavier, Augusta "Tuti" Noronha Xavier, Emilia "Nini" Yvanovich Guterres, Carlos
Marques, Beatriz "Betty" Yvanovich Marques, Freda Dixon Noronha, Joe Noronha, Cissie Noronha Barros,
Henrique "Henry" Barros, Leonidia Barros, Francisco Barros, Palmera Lopes Yvanovich, Vicente Yvanovich,
Charlie Alves
Seated:
Sir Albert Rodrigues, Ermie Yvanovich Noronha, Caetano "Caeta" Azedo, Beatriz "Bea" Marques Azedo, Lino
Gosano, Ana Basto Noronha, Charlie Noronha, Tony “Butter” Noronha, Hilda Gaan Noronha,
Roberto Marques, Junior Yvanovich, Ariri Yvanovich Noronha
Page 17 of 36
Marjorie Casey, daughter of Robert & Margaret De Graca gave birth to her third child Morgan Kate Casey,
on June 30. Morgan weight at birth was 7 lbs 10 ozs and she was 18 1/2 inches long. Congratulations to the
Casey family and the proud grandparents.
Morgan Kate with proud mom and dad
Rebel on the rings
By Jesse Sowa, Albany Democrat-Herald
Submitted by Vi & Mimi De Britto – Tyler is their grandson
Tyler Turner, Vi & Mimi’s grandson is 16 and one of the top gymnastic competitors in his age group in the
state. The South Albany High School sophomore finished third in the Level Eight all-around at the state meet
March 18th in Portland. His placing qualified him for the Region II championships April 2 in Seattle.
At state, he was first on the rings, second in the floor exercise and third on the pommel horse. He’s made
significant progress in the pommel horse, and his parents have seen the improvement. “Pommel used to be one
of the ones that killed him,” Denise Turner said. “Not any more”, added David Turner.
But the success hasn’t come without a lot of hard work. Four days a week, the Turners head to Salem for
Tyler’s three and a half hour practices at Salem Gymnastics Center. Practices are fast-paced with not too much
down time. Just the way Tyler likes it. “You can’t get better when you are standing around, “ he said. Between
long practices and homework, there isn’t much time for anything else. Tyler, who enjoys playing on the
computer in his free time, was recently inducted into the National Honor Society.
If the progress in the gym and the classroom continues, Tyler hopes to lend a college scholarship. This will be a
tough competition for scholarship money since there are only 20 college men’s teams in the country. The
gymnastics’ competition season lasts from January to April, leaving eight months for the athletes to hone their
skills. For Tyler, there’s always more to be learned while enjoying his favorite sport. “It’s always fun when
you’re learning new skills, he said. “I’m always learning new stuff. I don’t think it ever stops.”
Page 18 of 36
TIME SURE FLIES
By Francis & Jr. Dos Remedios
We attended the graduation of our grandson, Kevin at Sacred Heart Prep in Atherton on June 1, 2006. Kevin
will be attending the University of Redlands in Southern California in the fall of ’06.
Kevin will take with him many happy memories of his 4 years at Sacred Heart Prep. He represented his school
in baseball and basketball and excelled in baseball. He pitched for the Sacred Heart Baseball Team which won
their PSAL League championship all four years. He was also voted by other Coaches in the League for 3 out of
4 years to the APL League Team. He also pitched for the City of San Carlos, Joe DiMaggio Team (age 17-19
years), which was the State of California Champion last year (2005) and came in 2nd this year.
Congratulations Kevin and with God’s blessings may you enjoy your next four years in college.
YOUNG MACANESE CONDUCTOR IN HOLLYWOOD BOWL
By Virginia D’Almeida
Joana Carneiro will conduct the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl on August 10, 2006.
“Pianist Stephen Hough performs Rachmaninoff's "Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini" and the orchestra
performs Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 4.”
Joana Carneiro is the daughter of Robert and Rosario Carneiro, and Art Carneiro's granddaughter. Art is wellknown to the Macanese Community as a band leader in Hong Kong and Musical Director for the Macanese
during the War Years in Macau. Some of you will remember the great and sometimes “only entertainment” we
had.
Joana is approximately 30 years old. It is indeed an accomplishment to conduct the Los Angeles Philharmonic
at the Hollywood Bowl at this young age. We can all be proud of this young Macanese Lady.
19th KOWLOON CUB SCOUTS, cir 1950s
Alvaro Alonco from Australia, sends in the following photo and says he is the little boy on the far right
of the picture on Page 19 of the last issue of the UMA Bulletin.
From Left to Right: Quito Barros, Frankie Barros, Reginal Brown, Daniel Castro, Sonny Sequeira, JoJo
Basto, Miguel Fernandez, Dennis McGrand, Pedro Marcal, Alvaro Alonco, Francis Gomes, Celsa
(Monteiro) Larcina.. Front: Johnny Monteiro, Henry Vienna.
Page 19 of 36
Greater East Bay Clippings
by Daniel R Gomes
Diem Sum Lunch – Thirty four members of the Greater East Bay Chapter had a sumptuous lunch at
Oriental Tea House on MacArthur Blvd in San Leandro. The Diem Sum Luncheon met the three most
important criteria for a successful meal for the “filo mac” – “Bom, Bonito, Barato”. The food was
excellent, the quantity was huge and the price was very reasonable. The members had a great time
thanks to Maria Perpertuo and Kathy Orescan for Chairing this event and Zinha Gomes for photos.
Fernanda & Humberto Barros, Luis & Manuela
Sequeira. Jeff & Loudres Remedios, Dolly &
Fernando da Silva.
Al & Cecilia Madeira, Louise Marcal, Manuel &
Olivia Remedios, Robin Ritchie, Gerry (hidden) &
Fred Piglowski
Kathy & Bill Orescan, Mimi & Vi De Britto,
Sylvia Remedios, Joe & Maria Perpertuo, Ed &
Terry Da Silva
Orlanda Da Costa, Robert De Graca, Aida De
Almeida, Yolanda Blackburn, Robbie Da
Costa, Daniel & Peter Gomes.
Page 20 of 36
Election Results: The Greater East Bay Chapter mailed out 158 ballots and 96 ballots were returned.
The members of the Greater East Bay Chapter can be proud of their impressive 61% voter response in
a Chapter election. Below is an open letter to the members of the Greater East Bay Chapter:
Dear Members of the Greater East Bay Chapter,
Our special thanks and appreciation to all who took the time and effort to vote. The following
individuals will serve as your officers in 2007-2008: President - Maria “Zinha” Gomes; Vice
President - Joe Perpetuo; Secretary - Kathy Orescan; Treasurer - Vi De Britto; Directors –Robert Da
Costa, Robert De Graca, and Zinha Gomes.
As your new officers and members of the Operating Committee, we are pleased to report that we have
already starting planning for an exciting calendar of events for 2007. We look forward to seeing you at
all or some of the following events:
January 13th
February
March 10th
April 28th
May
June
September
October
November
December
GEB Chapter Meeting at the Gomes’ Residence
Chinese New Years Dinner – chaired by Mimi & Vi de Britto
GEB Chapter Meeting at the De Britto’s Residence
Tarde Macaense – chaired by Zinha and Daniel Gomes
Golf & Dinner – chaired by Robert Xavier
GEB Chapter Meeting at the Orescan’s Residence
Dim Sum Luncheon – chaired by Maria & Joe Perpetuo
GEB Annual General Meeting
UMA, Inc. State Board Annual General Meeting
Christmas Party
In the spirit of the past, we are reviving the tradition of pot luck dinners following each meeting. On
January 13th, Saturday, we will be starting out our year with a potluck dinner featuring a Calamari Curry
prepared by your incoming president Zinha Gomes and augmented by the many other dishes provided
by the attending members. So mark your calendars now, and start planning on your special dish to
bring to complement Calamari Curry! We invite each of you to join us, and we look forward to your
presence. Are there any events you would like to have that are not listed? Come share your great ideas
with us at our meetings. We would like to extend our personal invitation to each of you GEB chapter
members to join us as members of our GEB Operating Committee. Please consider joining us as we
would love to have you in our enthusiastic, hard working, and fun-loving group.
We are now busy planning for and working on our last event of this year, our Greater East Bay
Christmas Party which will be on Sunday, December 10th, 2006 at Zio Fredo’s. Mark your calendars
now to keep the date open, and don’t forget to send us your reservations when you receive our flyer on
the event.
Very sincerely,
Your GEB Incoming Officers for 2007/2008 and Members of the GEB Operating Committee:
Orlanda Da Costa, Robert Da Costa and Yolanda Blackburn, Vi and Mimi De Britto, Robert and
Margaret De Graca, Daniel and Zinha Gomes, Bill and Kathy Orescan, and Joe and Maria
Perpetuo.
Page 21 of 36
News from ever sunny Southern California
By Delano & Barbara Pereira
Da. Lolita Prado's 90th Birthday Big Party Celebration: The vast and loving family of Da. Lolita threw a big
Chinese dinner celebration on July 28th at Torrance, CA, to show their most evident loving affection for a grand
lady, who was called mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, auntie, grandauntie, great-grandauntie, madrinha,
and specially "friend Da. Lolita". Her relatives, joined by many friends of long and recent time, and relatives who
flew from afar, including Fatima da Rosa, Elfrida Prado, Isabel Prado Greene, Doobie Nolasco da Silva, Chabella
Vivanco, Daphne da Rosa Gohel, Valerie Nantes, and daughter Lita do Rosario with husband Joao, from Macau,
and relatives and friends from all over USA and Canada, participated in a sumptuous classical Chinese dinner. A
happy Hawaiian band played all evening long, getting the big crowd to dance away. A moving part of the evening
was the sweet dance that Da. Lolita shared, first with her sons and sons-in-law, from the oldest to the youngest,
then, with her nephews and grandsons, and great-grandsons, too, ending then with her daughters and daughters-inlaw, nieces and great-granddaughters. Da. Lolita, may God grant you many more happy years to enjoy your
wealth, your family!
The Growing Da. Lolita's Family: Granddaughter Christine do Rosario Lyon and husband David has added
great-grandson Jayden Lyon on December 12, 2005. Granddaughter Geraldine do Rosario Gallegos and her
husband Steve also made Da. Lolita a great-grandmother with the recent addition of Joseph Gabriel Gallegos on
July 19, 2006. Both mothers are the daughters of Lita and Joao do Rosario, a past vice-president of our Southern
California Chapter. Congratulations to all!
A Golden Anniversary Celebration on September 2, 2006: Deanna Remedios and Eugene Xavier got
married in Hong Kong on September 5, 1956. Fifty years later, to help celebrate this important date in their life,
Daughter Corrine and son Roger gave a reception dinner for Deanna and Gene at the Costa Mesa Country Club
for over hundred of their near and distant relatives, and friends. Many people came from all over the world,
specially from California and Canada.
A quartet played classical and romantic fifties' melodies to the vast enjoyment of the crowd. After the dinner,
tangos, waltzes, jitterbugs and the most recent gymnastic-style dancing groaned the dancing floor.
Daughter Corrine Thompson and son Roger Xavier hosted the affair and eulogized their caring parents for the
strength of the parental love which became the backbone of the strong family tie. They regaled us with
anecdotes of their Hong Kong courting and the fateful emigration to the US, the various boat trips to different
parts of the world. They both thanked their parents' sacrifices, which enabled them to have a decent education
and lead a comfortable life. Gene and Deanna followed up with some entertaining episodes of their married life
and proudly announced that lately six grandchildren came into their life and are now the objects of their
affection. We, in UMA, are very proud of you two and wish both of you continued happiness and health.
911 in Portland, Oregon: One early August morning, Alexander Pereira, a little over 6-year old, coolly dialed
"911" when he found his mother Printha in epileptic seizure. Paramedic help came immediately and mother was
taken to the hospital. Mother is fine now and Alexander is modest about his quick life-saving action on that
morning. Alexander is the son of Andrew Pereira, son of a pair of proud grandparents Barbara and Delano
Pereira.
Send a Get-Well Card to Dolly Boyol: Dolly Boyol is still convalescing and loves to hear from her friends.
Please write to her or, better, visit her.
Ralph Duarte is recovering from eye surgery – We wish him a speedy recovery.
Page 22 of 36
San Mateo Chapter News
by Jorge Remedios ([email protected])
Each summer the San Mateo Chapter is proud to host two events which attract a loyal gathering of UMA
members and their friends. The first one is in July — the Annual UMA Mass of Thanksgiving, which is named
in honor of its late co-originator, Vince Guterres. Again this year, the Mass was well attended at the Church of
the Good Shepherd in Pacifica, with Father Piers Lacey officiating. And again we thank Marie Guterres for
making all the arrangements for the Mass, and for the fine lunch that followed it.
In August, the Chapter holds its Note Tropical, a dinner dance held at the Twin Pines Community Center in
Belmont. Each year the organizers offer a dinner menu that they would have previously sampled at a good local
restaurant to be sure that it will be both mouth-watering and in keeping with the 'tropical' theme of the evening.
Also offered is a live band whose repertoire meets unfailingly with the approval of attendees of all ages, and
especially those for whom dancing is practiced as an art form. There is an endless supply of drinks, including
beer, wine, and fizzy pop, not to mention the little munchies that accompany them. And of course along with
the local restaurant's own dessert (if that happens to be an option), is an array of delicious homemade Macanese
sweets of the kind that Avó used to make.
So it was no surprise with all these attractive features that on August 26, 2006, a hundred and fifty-three
energetic people showed up in Belmont's Center, exceeding by 27.5 percent the number we had originally
anticipated. The hall was once again decorated by the skillful hands of Magdalen and Al Roza Pereira, applying
an exotic South Sea theme to the tables and walls. The music by Bernie Xavier and the Thunders began as soon
as the guests arrived, and continued without a break until the very end of the evening. Featured vocalist was
Debra Shaw, daughter of Stan and Barbara Shaw. Debra has a lovely voice and plenty of stage presence.
A raffle for prizes contributed by committee members and friends and an auction for a card table, added a novel
edge to the evening's festivities, and generated plenty of laughter in the crowd, along with a few extra dollars in
the Chapter's till.
It is not hyperbole to report that the band was still playing, and the last few couples still gyrating on the dance
floor, when the dreaded hour arrived for the cleanup crew to do its thing.
Johanna Terra, Chairperson, and her co-Chair Raquel Remedios, are to be congratulated for having organized
another successful Chapter event. Thanks are also due to all of our Committee members, who so
enthusiastically supported and helped with the preparations, decorations, bar, kitchen and server duties, and
cleanup.
Gene & Deanna Xavier — 50th Wedding Anniversary: Gene and Deanna Xavier of Morro Bay, California,
celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary at the Costa Mesa Country Club in Costa Mesa on September 2,
2006. The celebration was organized by their children Corinne Thompson and Roger Xavier, and attended by
family members of several generations, and many friends. Son-in-law Mike Thompson had made a video
presentation chronicling the couple's life from the time they first met in 1954, evoking many memories,
including this writer's (Deanna is my younger sister.)
Reggie & Fatima Santos – 50th Wedding Anniversary: Surrounded by children, grandchildren, relatives, and
friends, Reggie and Fatima Santos also celebrated their Golden Anniversary at a big party at Rossmoor, Walnut
Creek, California in August. Since our Chapter's earliest days, the couple had played a very active role in it, and
we wish them the very best for the future.
Page 23 of 36
San Mateo Chapter Election Results:
The Chapter announces its new Officers, Directors and Committee Members for 2007-2008.
President
Vice-President
Secretary
Treasurer
Raquel Remedios
Manuel Pereira
Ray Xavier
Francis Carion
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Directors
Raquel Remedios
Marie Guterres
Manuel Pereira
Sandra Souza
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Committee
Ed and Pauline de Assis
Francis and Melina Carion
Marie Guterres
Manuel and Doreen Pereira
Jorge and Raquel Remedios
Magdalen Roza Pereira
Filipe and Isabel Souza
Peter and Sandra Souza
John and Johanna Terra
Ray and Virginia Xavier
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected], [email protected] Al and
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected], [email protected]
[email protected]
San Mateo Chapter New Members: Patrick and Edith de Souza, Brookville, Ohio, John Freestone, Rossmoor,
CA, Robert Gaan, June and Carlos da Costa, Brandi and Paul de Assis, Oakland, CA
Birth announcement: A 9th grandchild to proud grandparents Pauline and Ed de Assis!! Appropriately named
after his grandpas, Eduardo Warren de Assis arrived on the scene with a loud cry on May 24, 2006 weighing in
at 8 lbs. 6 ozs, 21 inches long. Both mother and son are doing well. Baby Eduardo looks like his grandpa Ed
alright and even has the same calm and passive temperament. Congratulations Brandi and Paul!!
New Chapter Editor for the UMA News Bulletin: We are happy to report that Pauline de Assis has kindly
agreed to assume the duties of San Mateo Chapter Editor of the UMA News Bulletin, effective immediately.
She has asked the outgoing editor to remain on the staff in the capacity of an occasional contributor, and he has
agreed to help out when and if needed.
All our members are encouraged to send Pauline their news items they would like to see included in the
Bulletin. Pauline's email address is [email protected].
Page 24 of 36
News from San Francisco Chapter
by Alex Xavier
All Day Social: The All Day Social held on July 10, 2006 at the United Airlines Union Hall was a huge
success. There were eight tables of mahjong, one poker game and two games of Mexican train going on at the
same time.
It was interesting to watch and listen to the conversation of the mahjong players as one wanders from one table
to the next. The majority of the mahjong players kept up a constant chatter as they set up their cards. The more
serious players uttered hardly a word as they concentrated on their cards. The important point is that they all
had a great time.
It was fun watching the poker players. There were nine of them and two had to sit out each game as only seven
could play at a time. To play with these poker experts, you must understand the different variations of the game
and, on most of these games, you can win high or low or even both.
I don’t know how the Mexican train game is played and therefore could not comment on the game but I could
see that the players on the two tables of Mexican train were having a wonderful time.
I want to thank Maureen Xavier and Rita Ribeiro for providing the doughnuts for breakfast, for ordering the
food for lunch and dinner and for making the delicious egg sandwiches which were enjoyed by everyone.
I want to thank Mildred Brown for coming in early to make the coffee and hot water for tea and to check off the
names of the attendees and Bernard Brown for helping to set up the tables and chairs for lunch and dinner. I
also want to thank Maureen’s brother Philip for coming in early to help with the chairs and tables and to set up
the chairs for the mahjong players.
Last, but not least, I want to thank everyone who helped to serve and clean up at the end of the day. To
everyone who helped, my heartfelt thanks.
Member’s Appreciation Dinner Dance: The Member’s Appreciation Dinner Dance held on July 28, 2006,
was great. One hundred and seventy-five members attended the event and had a great time dancing to the music
of Ed Villa Carlos.
We must apologize to those UMA members who wanted to attend but could not. This is a once a year function
for our San Francisco Chapter members only.
Acknowledgements
On behalf of UMA, Inc., San Francisco Chapter, I would like to thank Dr. Paul Xavier for his
continued support and generous donation of $5,000.00. We look forward to seeing you at our future
events.
Greetings to Geraldine Wingate. We thank you for your generous donation of $100.00.
SF Chapter AGM: San Francisco Chapter is holding their Annual General Meeting on October 5, 2006 at the
Doelger Center at 4:00 PM. A flyer will be sent out. All San Francisco Chapter members are encouraged to
attend this meeting.
Thanksgiving Dinner Dance: On November 11, 2006, San Francisco Chapter will be holding their
Thanksgiving Dinner Dance at the South San Francisco Elks Club. This event is open to all UMA members. A
flyer will be sent.
Page 25 of 36
UMA, Inc. AGM: On November 18, 2006, UMA, Inc. will be holding their Annual State Board General
Meeting. All San Francisco Chapter members are asked to attend this meeting. San Mateo Chapter will be
hosting this meeting; therefore, location of the meeting will be forthcoming.
New Year’s Eve Dinner Dance: San Francisco Chapter will be hosting the 2006 New Year’s Eve Dinner
Dance at the San Francisco Airport Marriott. All of you are encouraged to attend. You’ll have a great time!
Please call Mildred Brown at 650/878-5868 to make your reservations.
Lawn Bowling News: On Saturday, June 24, 2006, the ladies of the San Francisco Lawn Bowling Club
competed in the Club’s Women’s Championship Singles. After bowling three games each, Marie Guterres took
second place and Lucy Guterres took third place. Congratulations to the winners.
Not to be outdone by the ladies, on Saturday and Sunday, June 24 and 25, 2006, the men competed in the Men’s
Handicap Pairs. Three games were played on Saturday and three on Sunday. The weather was overcast, windy
and cold. As always, the competitors played a great game and some scores were very close. After all the scores
were tallied, the First Place Winner was Lionel Guterres and Leon Simpson. The Second Place Winners were
Oscar Collaco and Bob Remedios. Congratulations to the winning teams.
On Saturday, July 8, 2006, the Hattie Baht Mixed Pairs Tournament was held at the San Francisco Lawn
Bowling Club. Oscar Collaco and Mary Poole took first place; Arnie Barros and Marie Guterres took second
place. Congratulations to the winners.
On Sunday, July 30, 2006, the SFLBC held the Nestor/Rezendez/Verplanck Mix-Match Triples tournament.
The first place winners were Oscar Collaco, Mano Pereira and Doreen Pereira. The second place winners were
Arnie Barros, Alex Xavier and Maureen Xavier. The third place winners were Manny Remedios, Bernard
Brown and Tirisa Biukoto. Congratulations to the winners.
On August 19, 2006, the SFLBC held its Annual Women’s Championship Pairs Tournament. This year, the
team of Maureen Xavier and Magdalen Pereira won first place. In doing so, Magdalen also won the Club’s
Women’s Bowler of the Year Title. Congratulations, Magdalen.
The team of Lucy Guterres and Marie Guterres took second place. This team also won all their games but had a
slightly lower point average. The team of Mildred Brown and Bea McConachie took third place.
Congratulations to the winners who did a fine job of lawn bowling.
Not to be outdone by the women bowlers, the Men’s Handicap Triples was also played on August 19 and 20,
2006 at the SFLBC. The first place title was won by Arnie Barros, Bill Ryan and Bob Remedies. Second place
was won by Larry Murphy, Norm Tiernan and Reggie Mattos. Congratulations to our men bowlers.
On August 26/27, 2006, the SFLBC held its Men’s Championship Pairs Tournament. Oscar Collaco and Aaron
Rezendez took first place and Manny Remedios and Alex Xavier took third place. Oscar could do no wrong and
he and Aaron won all six games. Congratulations to our winners.
I continue to encourage our members to submit news for the bulletin. Please feel free to call Alex Xavier at
650/991-8808, or mail your article to him at: 5 Belmont Drive, Daly City, Ca. 94015. His e-mail address is:
[email protected].
Page 26 of 36
La Salle College
Reflections by Jim Silva and Daniel Gomes
Edited by Daniel Gomes
Pre World War II
The story of La Salle begins in 1917 when the Brothers of the Christian Schools, who recently founded St.
Joseph's College, opened a junior school on Chatham Road, near Rosary Church. Kowloon was expanding
rapidly at this time and demand for school space was rising. Brother Aimar Sauron, the Director of St. Joseph's,
realized that a new school building was necessary. He acquired a piece of land on Boundary Street in the late
1920s as a site for the new La Salle College.
On November 5, 1930 Sir William Peel, the Governor of Hong Kong, laid the foundation stone of the new
building. By December 3, 1931, the work on the building and the playgrounds was sufficiently advanced to
allow the opening of eight classes under the management of 5 Brothers from St. Joseph's College and 4 Assistant
Masters, Messrs. Charles Dragon, Francis Charles, James Ng and Benedict Lim, from the Chatham Road
School. 303 students were present on that day.
On January 6, 1932 came the formal inauguration; seven Brothers headed by Rev. Brother Aimar as Director
took over and a few days later 40 boarders occupied their quarters to the west of the building. There were then
540 students in 14 classes. About 1/3 of the students had European, especially Portuguese, connection.
For seven years the College thrived under the wise guidance of Brother Aimar.The students achieved excellent
results in the Matriculation Examinations, the laboratories were getting into shape, four tennis courts and a fullsized football pitch were built, and the statue of St. John Baptist de La Salle that now stands in front of the
College was erected. The number of students increased to 805 in 1935 and 1,060 in 1939.
Reflections by Jim Silva
My schooling at La Salle College ended with Pearl Harbor – December 8th, 1941. I was then a mid teenager of
14 and had been at this school for about 5 years - coming as I did from the nearby Maryknoll Convent School
which then accepted boys as well as girls in the primary classes.
Some of my La Salle teachers I later kept in touch with – especially Bro. Casimir – but most seemed to vanish
and go their own ways in the post war period after the British re-occupation of Hong Kong.
The La Salle Christian brothers are a French religious teaching order – but the brothers themselves seemed to
have come from a very mixed national background as you shall see. We were then in a huge all male high
school – (forget the word College) – and a large number of lay teachers were of necessity added to the big
teaching staff. Many of these were local men and many too seemed to have been recruited from
Singapore/Malaysia.
Let us reminisce about some of these teachers who helped to shape our lives. Respected and feared was our
Bro. Director – Bro. Aimar, a stern unsmiling character.
Page 27 of 36
La Salle (Continuation)
A French Bro. Cassian pictured himself as a Mr. Chips as generations of students passed under him. Bros.
Alban and Casimiar were Czechoslovakians and the latter became Bro. Director in the post war years. There
was the large and red faced American Bro. Anthony and an earlier American Brother Aloysius who resemble a
bearded Uncle Sam. Bro. Francis was German and Bro. Wilfred (Charn Tao) was probably a French Eurasian
from Vietnam. Then there was Bro. Honorius – French – whose extra duty was to supervise P.C (penance
class), a special class for detaining boys for an extra hour as punishment after school was let out.
The lay teachers accounted for about half the teaching staff. They were all addressed as “Sir”. Mr. Charles
Dragon was a serious man who may have come from Singapore originally. Then there were the three “Mar”
brothers – Dick, Wally and Henry – who were Canadian Chinese. There was Chan Ah Fat – mathematician
supreme. Benedict Lim from Singapore wrote and composed the school song, “We are Sons of La Salle”. He
was feted in San Francisco by a big group of his old boys prior to his death a few years ago.
There was Patrick Wong from Hawaii and there was Peter Ulrich a young German Eurasian who was killed
serving in the British Volunteer Army defending Hong Kong during the Japanese invasion.
These are names that still ring a bell with me. No doubt there are many others of different vintages and
memory. It is never too late to remember and honor these teachers who had a part in our education and in the
process helped to shape our lives, character and direction.
Separate But Equal?
La Salle was an English speaking “Grant in Aid” school. A non-profit Government-assisted educational
establishment with a curriculum approved by the Education Department of the H.K. Government. Before 1941
there appeared to be a greater racial mix in the make-up of La Salle boys. Chinese boys were always the
dominant racial group – then as well as now. But what is missing today is the large contingent of Portuguese
catholic boys of Kowloon which made up to perhaps a third of all the students. The number of Portuguese boys
drastically dwindled as their families migrated from Hong Kong in the 1950s and 1960s.
There were also other small racial groups represented then. There were Vietnamese catholic boarders who were
in La Salle for an English education. There were catholic English Eurasians; and Filipino and Meztisos
Catholics from the Philippines. A scattering of Russians. Some Indians and boys with mixed Chinese/Indian
backgrounds. On the whole it was a fairly mixed crowd.
For some reason – as classes got bigger they were divided and divided again. It was then decided to classify
them into A, B and C streams -–not for any superior or inferior scholastic achievements – but rather for racial
and social reasons.
The A classes were mainly for Portuguese boys, the B class was a mixed bag with Chinese and others. The C
was nearly wholly Chinese. There were numerous exceptions to this and there was never any hard and fast
ruling. Yet division by language fluency was always there. The Portuguese boys in the A classes spoke English
among themselves. Also of Portuguese origin they were expected to learn Portuguese as their second language.
Special Portuguese teachers from Macao were sometimes employed for this. The boys in the C class spoke
Chinese among themselves and had special Chinese language and writing instruction. The very mixed B classes
spoke both English and Chinese.
Page 28 of 36
La Salle (Continuation)
The final result of this A, B, and C class division resulted in a racial separation that then developed and at that
time was readily accepted in our overall colonial scheme of things. As students nobody ever gave this a second
thought. It seemed practical and justified and even prompted useful competitive inter class divisions in sporting
and scholastic activities. In today’s world one could read into these arrangements as being unequal and unfair –
but it certainly seemed natural enough then.
World War II
The outbreak of World War II in 1939 brought great disruption to the life of the school. Jim Silva says, “ in
those days the whole school was covered with patriotic propaganda posters to boost morale. There were
excerpts from Churchill’s stirring speeches. Battle of Britain photos - Spitfires and Hurricanes”. The HK
Government requisitioned the buildings as an internment camp and later a hospital. The Brothers had to arrange
for temporary classrooms to be built across the road and classes continued there. In the afternoons, Brothers
helped in the hospital.
On Christmas Day 1941 the Crown Colony surrendered to the Japanese and, soon after, the Brothers were
ousted from the College. The buildings were turned into a storage depot. The Japanese encouraged civilians to
leave the Colony, as food was in short supply. A number of Brothers, including the founder and principal,
Brother Aimar, traveled to Vietnam where they remained for the duration of the conflict. Unfortunately, Brother
Aimar died there in 1945.
Brother Cassian OBE energetically undertook restoration of the College after the war in 1946. Soon the College
made a remarkable recovery and had about 600 pupils on her roll. The British Military Authorities, however,
once again requisitioned the College in 1947 and it was turned into the 33rd General Hospital.
Recollections by Daniel Gomes:
The first incoming class in 1946 consisted of a hodgepodge of Macanese boys who returned to the colony from
Macau with little or no education, and some local Chinese boys. Boys between nine, ten and eleven were all
grouped together in the same class and sorted out over the next couple of years. I was 11 years old when I was
first introduced to the rigors of the Christian Brothers mode of education, and I was definitely not ready for
them. Thankfully, my mother enrolled me as a boarder in the school. What a shock! The majority of the
boarders in those days were oversea Chinese and some Eurasian boys. I was the only Macanese boy among the
boarders in the school. All 30 of us slept in a dormitory, spent one hour at study hall before classes and three
hours in the evening after school in the study hall under the stern guidance of Brother Felix. We were allowed
to go home on the weekends but had to be back in the dormitory by 8 P.M on Sundays. I moaned, groaned and
cried to no avail - thankfully, the College was requisitioned by the Army in 1947, and I returned as a day
scholar when the school reopened at its “temporary” facilities on Perth Street in Homantin under the
directorship of Brother Patrick Toner.
The school’s website say that, “despite the considerable difficulties, few school activities suffered by this
change. However, we the students, who had to endure the terrible conditions of the Quonset huts will tell you a
different story. In summer, it was hot and dusty – the huts rest on slab floors covered with sand and dirt. When
the wind was blowing, it was like a sand storm in Baghdad. The science labs were solely lacking equipment and
space. The soccer field, track and softball field were horribly inadequate and would flood every time it rained.
We did not have a swimming pool and had to train in Lai Chi Kok. Even with the poor athletic facilities our
boys excelled in spots and would regularly take home all the trophies. In spite of the poor facilities we still
managed to get a decent education as demonstrated by the achievements of a great number of Macanese boys
here in the United States and abroad. By late 1952 many of our boys left to further their education in England,
Australia and the United States. A hand full of us stayed on to matriculate.
Page 29 of 36
Basto, Abilio "Taco", passed away in Lisbon in July , 2006. Dr. Basto, a physician was well know in
the Macanese Community and active in the Casa de Macau, Lisbon.
Brown, Beatriz Maria (Remedios), passed away in Folsom, Ca, July 10, 2006. A native of Hong
Kong, age 94 years. Beloved wife of the late Arthur Brown. Beloved mother of Colleen Phelan and
Marilyn McKenna. She also leaves two sisters, six grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
Pedruco, Redeolfo of Pacifica. Born Dec. 8, 1930 in Macau; passed away on Aug 22, 2006. His
children, Tito, Paul, Mark, Michael, Kevin, Julie, and 10 grandchildren survive him. Will be loved and
missed by many.
Ribeiro, Ed “Doddy” born in Hong Kong on September 12, 1930, to parents, Leticia and Augusto
Ribeiro passed away on June 30th after a very brief illness. He is survived by his loving wife, Sylvia;
his two children, Joanne Segovia and Rick Ribeiro; and five grandchildren, Jeffrey Johnsrude, Kristen
Johnsrude, Stephanie Segovia, Nicholas Ribeiro and John Ribeiro. He had two sisters – the eldest,
Helen, died when Doddy was only 11 years old, and Delsa Guzdar, who survives him and currently
lives in San Francisco with her husband, Homi.
Doddy met the love of his life, Sylvia, when he was only 17 years old. He knew in an instant that he
was going to spend the rest of his life with her…and he did. They celebrated their 52nd Anniversary
shortly before his passing. Two years ago, in a wonderful party in Rossmoor, they celebrated their 50th
Wedding Anniversary with their entire wedding party and over 200 of their closest family and friends.
There were two other loves in Doddy’s life – music and sports. He played music everyday. He inspired
those around him, especially his family, to also appreciate the beauty of music. So much so, his children
and grandchildren became familiar with songs going back to the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s. When the children
were young, the family would stay up till late playing the piano, guitar, harmonica, violin, clarinet – any
instrument they could lay their hands on. Then, as a family, they would sing all the oldies together.
He loved tennis and lawn bowling. Due to problems with his shoulders, back and neck, and after four
surgeries, he could no longer play tennis. After this, he was able to devote all his free time to his
bowling. He and Sylvia moved to Rossmoor 18 years ago for the weather and for the bowling greens.
He played almost everyday and entered numerous tournaments…in many of which he placed quite well.
In addition to the sports he played, he loved to watch his Giants and 49ers. He rarely missed a game –
whether it was on TV or at the ballpark. In fact, he attended a Giants game in May with his daughter,
Joanne, hoping to witness Barry Bonds break Babe Ruth’s record. Doddy was an inspiration to his
children and grandchildren. He was their confidant and counselor. He will be dearly missed.
The family wish to thank all who came to Doddy Ribeiro’s memorial service and celebration of life.
They also want to acknowledge the thoughtful cards, letters and sympathy messages.
Page 30 of 36
Ritchie, Adriana passed away in Portland, Oregon on August 18, 2006. Beloved wife of the late
Gustavo Ritchie. Survivors include her loving sisters Adelina (Louis Bride), her brother Andre Jesue
(Maria) and many nephews and nieces.
Souza. Carmen Norma , age 73, entered into rest at her home in Hayward, CA on Friday, August 11,
2006. She had recently been diagnosed with liver and pancreatic cancer. Her husband, Ed, and
children, Estelle, Lorraine and Philip were with her at her bedside.
Carmen was born on July 25, 1933 in Shanghai, China to Gorgonio Jacobo Villa “George” and Bertha
Romalda Campos. She was baptized at the Roman Catholic Mission / Sacred Heart Church in
Shanghai, China on August 12, 1933. Carmen attended the Loretta School in Shanghai. Upon her
graduation, she was awarded with a scholarship from the Loretta School.
On February 10, 1956, Carmen and Eduardo Maria Souza joined in marriage in Tokyo, Japan. From
their union, they had three children: Estelle Maria Souza, Lorraine Michelle Souza (aka, “Mickey”) and
Philip Matthew Souza. Carmen and Ed had recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in
February of this year with a cruise to Hawaii.
Carmen’s profession was that of a legal secretary until she retired in the late 1990’s. After she retired,
Carmen and Ed took one cruise a year and had traveled to Alaska, Hawaii and Europe. Since moving to
Hayward, Carmen frequently lectured at All Saints Catholic Church where she and Ed were both
Eucharistic Ministers.
Carmen was an avid bridge player both in live tournaments and on-line. In 2005, the American
Contract Bridge League (“ACBL”) awarded her the prestigious Silver Life Master Certificate; and, in
2001, she was presented with the Bronze Life Master Certificate.
Carmen always placed family first. She frequently spent time with her five grandchildren: David,
Liane, Cindy, Kimmy and Chelsea and her seven great grandchildren: Richard, Jr., Samantha, Sheldon,
Jr., Sara, Tailiek, Dayonni, Krystal and Brandon.
Carmen is predeceased by her father, George Villa and by her brother, Thomas Villa. She is survived
by her mother, Bertha, and by her brother, Maurice Shizuo Villa "Maury".
De Souza, Constance M, died of a heart attack on August 29, 2006 in Auburn at the age of 70. She
was born on May 25, 1936 in East Stockwith, Gainsbourgh Lincs, England, and lived in Auburn for 39
years.
She retired in 1987, after 7 years at the Auburn Library. She was a volunteer at Group Health Federal
Way Clinic and enjoyed knitting and reading novels.
She is survived by her husband Vincent F. De Souza; son Gary De Souza; and daughter Elaine Estelle
Sutherland; bothers Don Farr, Derek Farr, Leslie Farr; sister Rowena Hodge, and four grandchildren.
Page 31 of 36

My great grandfather Marciano A. Baptista is considered

Transcription

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