Michael Senna Finds Adventure After Building R2-D2

Transcription

Vol. 33. No. 3
A Publication of UMA, Inc
Editor: Daniel Gomes, 4394 N. Sweetbriar Ct, Concord, Ca 94521
July – Sept 2010
E-Mail: [email protected]
Michael Senna Finds Adventure After Building R2-D2 Replica
By Amy Senna
Michael Senna, son of Olga Senna, is a skilled prop maker/hobbyist who
built an exact working replica of R2-D2 from Star Wars in 2003 because
he was looking for a challenge & wanted to bring joy to children. He had
joined the 501st Legion, a charity Star Wars costuming group, in 2002
after making a storm trooper costume. He quickly decided he wanted to
bring a more unique character to the group's charity events, so he started
building R2-D2 later that year. It took 11 months, & was completed in
time for Halloween 2003. It made more than 100 appearances in its first 4
years, including most charity events, such as City of Hope, Make-a-Wish,
and Downs Syndrome/Autism fundraisers. The replica is so authentic that
Lucasfilm has asked Michael to represent the company at promotional
events and TV appearances. His R2-D2 has been filmed for VH1, MTV,
Access Hollywood and Jimmy Kimmel Live. It appeared on the Lucasfilm
float in the 2007 Tournament of Roses Parade, while Michael marched as
a storm trooper. It has made hundreds of appearances throughout Southern California, as well as in Las
Vegas, Indianapolis, Orlando and Montana. R2-D2 spreads joy everywhere it goes, to people of all ages!
Michael makes a living as a computer programmer & helps lead an international R2 Builders Club. He
has filmed numerous tutorials for the club on various aspects of building droids. He can tell countless
stories of memorable experiences with the droid. Once while operating R2-D2 at a Pacific Symphony
children's concert at the Orange County Performing Arts Center, Michael came across a mother with her
blind son. Michael let the boy operate the remote control with one hand while using his other hand to
feel what each switch was making the droid do. The boy held his ear close to R2-D2's speaker so he
could hear the sounds R2-D2 made as he flipped the switches, which really helped him better understand
what R2-D2 looks like.
At the 2005 Star Wars Celebration III convention in
Indianapolis, Michael took the droid to the autograph
signing room to get actors' autographs on R2-D2's back
panel. One of the actors from the film, Daniel Logan, who
played the young Boba Fett in Star Wars: Attack of the
Clones, asked to control R2-D2. Logan rolled the droid up
to David Prowse, the original actor inside the Darth Vader
costume, and jokingly sprayed him directly in the face with
an air mist. Prowse was not amused, and Michael was
afraid he'd lost his chance to get his autograph. Later in the day, Logan promised he'd get the autograph
for him. But he brought the panel back to Michael with a sad look on his face. Then he surprisingly
UMA NEWS BULLETIN – Fall Issue 2010
Page 1 of 36
Mike Senna
presented Michael with the autograph, which he'd received after apologizing to Prowse. Turns out the
actors from the films enjoy R2-D2 as much as the general public!
Michael has become accustomed to celebrity encounters. He has met
George Lucas on several occasions, as well as Carrie Fisher, Paul
Anka, Jimmy Kimmel, Senator Ted Kennedy, Andy Dick, Jimmy
Fallon, Magic Johnson, Robert Wagner, the band Boys II Men, &
composer John Williams, just to name a few. In 2006, R2-D2
appeared on stage at the Shrine Auditorium in LA for the Jules Verne
Adventure Film Awards with Malcolm McDowell (A Clockwork
Orange, Star Trek: Generations), where R2-D2 appeared to run into
McDowell on stage. The 105-foot-wide stage made this particularly
challenging for Michael when operating the remote control. R2-D2
shared the stage and attended a VIP after party with James Cameron,
Harrison Ford, George Lucas and Jane Goodall. Michael enjoyed meeting and talking with original King
Kong special effects master Ray Harryhausen.
A fun interaction was videotaped with Anthony Daniels, the actor who played C3pO, at the 2007 Star
Wars Celebration IV convention in Los Angeles. At that convention, Michael spoke as one of the
panelists at a droid-building seminar. Afterward, Michael and his family took a road trip to San
Francisco to deliver a left-over photo backdrop to a Lucasfilm executive's private memorabilia
collection. While there, he enjoyed behind-the-scenes tours of a prop shop formerly owned by Industrial
Light & Magic (ILM), the new Lucasfilm headquarters in the Presidio, as well as attending the annual
Lucasfilm July 4 family picnic on Skywalker Ranch.
This past summer R2-D2 & the Senna family travelled to Montana to entertain 500 guests at a private
4th of July party hosted by former San Francisco 49ers owner Eddie DiBartolo at his gated ranch. In
August, they flew cross-country so R2-D2 could appear at the Star Wars Celebration V Convention in
Orlando, as part of a group of 75 droids built by the R2 Builders Club. (R2-D2 was transported by
truck.) Michael's current project is building a life-size, fully functional, remote-control Wall-E robot
from the animated film.
Michael lives in Orange County, CA, with his wife Amy,
daughter Justine, 14, and son Kurtis, 12. Amy is a supportive
wife & mother who serves as photographer/droid
wrangler/webmaster.
She
writes
their
website,
SennasR2D2.blogspot.com, which features many of the events
they've attended. Their children are growing up with Star Wars
& Hollywood as a part of their lives. While they don't consider
themselves Star Wars "fans", they know everything there is to
know about the films, and grew up calling R2-D2 their "little
brother." Michael even made them Ewok suits of their own, which they LOVED to wear at events, such
as a Pacific Symphony concert at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, and Star Wars Weekends at
Legoland. They are frequently seen body guarding R2-D2 at appearances.
Olga Senna & family members recently attended R2-D2's appearance on stage with the Pacific
Symphony at the Segerstrom Concert Hall at Orange County Performing Arts Center. She enjoyed a
backstage tour from her son. When asked about his talents, she says, "He's always enjoyed building
things & this has been his hobby. The symphony concert was exciting & I'm very proud of him."
Page 2 of 36
The nominations for the Board of Directors for the new term beginning January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2012
were announced at the Directors’ Meeting on August 15, 2010. The nominees are: Maria F. Gomes, President;
Flavia Greubel, Vice President; Luiz Ozorio, Secretary and Francis Carion, Treasurer; and the five Directors:
Eduardo De Assis, Edmundo Guterres, Edwardo Machado, Mercia Poirier and Raquel Remedios. As there is
only one slate nominated, these nominees will be the Officers and Directors of UMA for the new term. Please
confirm and ratify their election by signing and returning the Ballot on page 7 of the Bulletin.
We are very pleased to announce that the General Assembly of the International Institute of Macau (IIM) has
informed us that UMA will receive the IIM’s 2010 Identity Award ("Premio Identidade de Macau"). This is a
distinctive honor for UMA, the oldest organization in the Diaspora Macaense. Previous recipients of the Award
include: Fr. Manuel Teixeira, the University of Macau, APIM, Clube Lusitano of HK and Mr. A.de O. Sales,
Diocese of Macau and the Holy House of Mercy. The award ceremony will take place at the Encontro das
Comunidades Macaenses on Sunday, November 28, 2010 at the Dom Pedro V Theatre in Macau. The IIM’s
writeup for the Macau newspapers follows this message on pages 4 & 5 in English and Portuguese.
We thank the Fundação Oriente for their stipend of $1,200.00 to help defray the expenses of the UMA News
Bulletin. The Fundação has established its “Museu do Oriente” in 2008, and UMA members who may be in
Lisbon are invited to visit the museum and see their many exhibits and various activities. Members may also
register on line at www.museudooriente.pt to receive the museum’s monthly electronic newsletter.
We are most grateful to Jorge & Elisa do Rosario for their generous donation of $5,000.00 to UMA to establish a
scholarship fund in their name. The award will be named the “Jorge & Elisa Rosario Scholarship”, and given
annually to a high-school graduate who will be attending college or university.
Please note the upcoming events scheduled for the rest of this year, and mark your calendars accordingly:
•
•
•
•
RENO TRIP – Sunday/Monday, Oct. 3-4, 2010
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING – Saturday, Nov. 13, 2010 at the Macau Cultural Center, Fremont
SO. CALIF. CHRISTMAS PARTY – Sunday, Dec. 5, 2010 at the Embassy Suites Hotel, Downey
NOSSA FESTA DE NATAL – Sunday, Dec. 19, 2010 at the Macau Cultural Center, Fremont
Details of these events are in the flyers on pages 16 - 18. Please make your reservations early for the Reno Trip,
So. California Christmas Party and Nossa Festa as space is limited!
ENCONTRO DAS COMUNIDADES MACAENSES “MACAU 2010”. All those who will be attending the
Encontro as UMA members and have contacted Maria "Zinha" Gomes, Chairperson of the Travel Committee,
will already have received the Provisional Program from Macau. As soon as we receive the Final Program, it will
be sent to UMA attendees. For those members who have made their own travel arrangements to attend the
Encontro, but have not yet informed Maria Gomes, please contact her at [email protected] or by phone at
925-798-2005. This is so that all UMA attendees will be properly registered and recognized for the events in
Macau.
Our Annual General Meeting on Saturday, November 13, 2010 will be held at the newly refurbished Macau
Cultural Center Building, 109 J Street, Fremont, CA. The AGM Agenda is on page 6. All UMA members are
encouraged to attend the AGM. It is always interesting and informative, and you will meet your new Board of
Directors, and be able to share your views.
Please be sure to let Marie Guterres (Email:
[email protected] Tel: 650-359-3858) know if you plan to attend as breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea
will be provided.
Raquel M. Remedios, President
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IIM ANNOUNCES 2010 IDENTITY AWARD
The International Institute of Macau (IIM) is glad to announce that by unanimous decision of its
governing bodies, the “Uniao Macaense Americana” - Macanese American Union - (UMA), is the
recipient of its 2010 Identity Award, in recognition of the work done in defending Macau’s cultural values
and the role played in establishing the Macanese identity in the diaspora, in Anglophone environment.
UMA is the oldest institution of the Filhos (Sons) de Macau, in the United States, featuring a history of
more than 50 years since its inception in 1959 as a modest organization until the present days, growing
into an organization of about 800 members who have just finished celebrating its golden jubilee last
November. Through its many social activities and quarterly newsletter, the UMA has strived to keep the
Macanese identity alive, disseminating information to those who wish to be updated about their place of
origin and to promote harmony and good fellowship throughout the community of Filhos de Macau.
The history of UMA began with its founding in October 1959 by a group of early Macanese immigrants to
California. As with other enterprises of its kind in many other places across the world, the club's primary
objective was to provide assistance to new arrivals coming to an unfamiliar shore, to help them get
settled, to find places to live and to secure employment. Accompanying these noble principles, was the
secondary: to gather together for parties and outings, faithful to the age old Macanese custom of having
fun together as a group of like-minded people who share the same history and traditions.
It would be fair to recall the names of the main founding members, namely John and Bernie Pomeroy,
Alberto d'Almeida, Tony Gonsalves, Barry Barradas, Miguel Leite, Emmanuel (Gaudio) da Costa, Lionel
Sequeira, and Merce Ramos. Their contributions, effort and interest have helped to consolidate the
foundation upon which UMA’s success was made secure. Amongst the individuals who also contributed
to the history of UMA, we can name Bernie Santos, Tony Baptista, Mario Campos and other well known
figures such as Frederic “Jim” Silva, Joaquim Pereira, Delano Pereira, etc.
Its founders promised to "preserve and promote the culture, heritage, tradition and history of our
Portuguese/Macanese ancestry, to maintain a fraternal relationship with similar groups globally and to
promote intellectual and social intercourse among the members thereof," and under these principles,
UMA has grown to become a strong and vibrant club, boasting a membership roster that represented
many countries.
Each year, UMA has maintained a full calendar of events for its members, including the "Noite
Macanese” Dinner Dance, golf and lawn bowling tournaments, social gatherings and trips. It has also
engaged the younger members of the community to take part in the activities of the club, so they carry on
its traditions into the future.
The current board of directors of UMA is as follows: Raquel Remedios, President, Maria Gomes, vice
president, Daniel Gomes, Treasurer, Robert de Graça, Secretary and Directors: Eduardo de Assis, Arnaldo
Barros, Sally Carchidi, Marie Guterres, Rita Guterres, Rita Ribeiro, Gloria Sequeira, Alexandre Xavier
and Maureen Xavier.
Page 4 of 36
IIM ANUNCIA PREMIO IDENTIDADE 2010
Por deliberação dos seus órgãos sociais, o Instituto Internacional de Macau decidiu atribuir o Prémio
Identidade 2010 à União Macaense Americana (UMA), em reconhecimento da obra realizada em prol da
defesa dos valores culturais de Macau e do papel desenvolvido no estabelecimento de uma identidade nos
meios anglófonos da Diáspora Macaense.
A UMA é a instituição mais antiga dos Filhos de Macau, nos Estados Unidos da América, dispondo de
uma história de mais de 50 anos, desde que foi fundada em 1959, como uma modesta organização até aos
presentes dias quando os seus mais de 800 membros acabaram de celebrar o respectivo jubileu de ouro,
em Novembro último. Através das suas múltiplas actividades sociais e do seu boletim noticioso
trimestral, a UMA tem conseguido manter viva a identidade macaense, divulgando informações aos que
desejem estar a par das novas da sua terra de origem e promovendo a harmonia e camaradagem entre a
comunidade dos Filhos de Macau.
A história da UMA começa com a sua fundação, em Outubro de 1959, por um punhado de recémimigrados Macaenses na California. À semelhança do que aconteceu com outras instituições do género,
em muitos outros lugares, o objectivo primário do clube era facultar apoio aos recém-chegados a terras
estranhas, ajudá-los a estabelecer-se, encontrar sítio para eles residirem e garantir-lhes um emprego. A par
desses nobres princípios, existia então o secundário: congregá-los em festas e passeios, fiel ao velho
costume macaense de se entreterem juntos como um grupo de indivíduos com gostos semelhantes e
historia e tradições comuns.
Seria justo recordar os nomes dos principais membros fundadores da associação, designadamente John e
Bernie Pomeroy, Alberto d'Almeida, Tony Gonsalves, Barry Barradas, Miguel Leite, Emmanuel (Gaudie)
da Costa, Lionel Sequeira, e Merce Ramos. As suas contribuições e dedicação e interesse ajudaram a
consolidar a base sobre a qual UMA conseguiu segurar e suceder. De entre as individualidades que
contribuiram para a história da UMA, contam-se Bernie Santos, Tony Baptista, Mario Campos e algumas
figuras nossas conhecidas como Frederic “Jim” Silva, Joaquim Pereira, Delano Pereira, etc.
Os seus fundadores consignaram "preservar e promover a cultura, o património, tradição e história dos
nossos antepassados, Portugueses e macaenses, manter uma relação fraterna com grupos homólogos, a
nível global, e promover relações intelectuais e sociais entre os seus membros", e a sombra desses
princípios, a UMA cresceu para se tornar num clube vigoroso e dinâmico, ostentando uma lista de
membros provenientes de diversos países.
Todos os anos, a UMA tem mantido um calendário repleto de eventos para os seus membros, incluindo
uma 'Noite Macaense' dançante, torneios de golfe e de bowling de relva, encontros sociais, convívios e
passeios. Tem ainda fomentado a participação dos membros mais jovens da comunidade nas actividades
do clube, para que eles perpetuem as ancestrais tradições para o futuro.
A actual direcção da UMA é a seguinte: Raquel Remédios, Presidente, Maria Gomes, vice-presidente,
Daniel Gomes, Tesoureiro, Robert de Graça, secretário e directores: Eduardo de Assis, Arnaldo Barros,
Sally Carchidi, Marie Guterres, Rita Guterres, Rita Ribeiro, Gloria Sequeira, Alexandre Xavier e Maureen
Xavier.
Page 5 of 36
UMA, INC.
União Macaense Americana
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Date
Time:
Place:
Saturday, November 13,2010
9:00 AM Continental Breakfast
10:00 AM Meeting
THE MACAU CULTURAL CENTER
109 J Street, Fremont, CA 94536
AGENDA
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Roll Call
Reading and Approval of Minutes of Directors’ Meeting of Aug 15, 2010
Treasurer's Report
Correspondence
Report of UNB Editor
Report of President
Old Business:
a) Update on the Macau Cultural Center
i) MCC Fund Raising
b) 2010 Encontro & IIM Award
c) 2010 Social Events
d) Scholarship
Acknowledgment, Confirmation & Ratification of the 2011-12 Officers & Directors
12:00 Noon
9.
New Business:
10.
11.
Other Business
Adjournment
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
LUNCH
Installation of 2011-12 Board of Directors
Address of President-Elect
Selection of MCC Directors
Appointment of Special Committees
Set dates for 2011 Events
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
[Dinner after Meeting. The restaurant name and price per person will be announced at the AGM.
Members wishing to join in the dinner can let us know at that time.]
Page 6 of 36
The following have been nominated as Officers and Directors of UMA
beginning January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2012:
Maria F. Gomes – President & Director
Flavia Greubel – Vice President & Director
Francis Carion – Treasurer & Director
Luiz Ozorio – Secretary & Director
Eduardo de Assis – Director
Edmundo Guterres – Director
Edwardo Machado – Director
Mercia Poirier – Director
Raquel Remedios – Director
The deadline for nominations was August 15, 2010. As there were no other nominees,
the above-named persons constitute the slate of candidates for the Board.
Please confirm election of the above-named candidates for the Board of Directors of
UMA for the 2011-2012 term by signing and returning your ballot, by October 31,
2010, to:
Vilma Remedios
2616 Saklan Indian Dr #2
Walnut Creek, CA 94595
Signature: ____________________________________
Date: ________________
Signature: ____________________________________
Date: ________________
RAQUEL M. REMEDIOS, President
Page 7 of 36
Page 8 of 36
Noite Macaense - 2010
by Pauline de Assis
2010 is a stellar year for UMA indeed! As of the beginning of the year, the four Chapters were combined
and we are one as it was in the beginning, united as our name, UMA! The unification was long in coming
to fruition: it was discussed, argued, pros and cons weighed, etc., and understandably there was some
resistance which prolonged the transition as each chapter took pride in its own uniqueness, but it finally
did happen by a majority vote of the membership last year. Now we come together in all the events as one
big happy family. Because of the distance, our Southern California members hold their own social
functions, but they are nonetheless part of the UMA family. We are happy to report that some of them do
make the long trip up to the Bay Area and, in fact, we had a few members from down south at the Noite
Macaense.
San Mateo Chapter’s annual summer dinner dance known as Noite Tropical was combined with Greater
East Bay Chapter’s Tarde Macaense for the first UMA Noite Macaense, the highlight of our social
calendar. We took great pride to present our unique heritage and culture by hosting a big party with
home-cooked Macanese food. It took much planning by UMA’s Social Coordinator, Flavia Greubel, and
her dedicated committee to give us some of the well-known dishes we so much enjoy, mouth watering, to
say the least!
To create the ambiance of our forefathers in old
Macau, we had on display large poster with
pictures and the history of some architectural
buildings designed by two eminent Filomac
architects of days gone by, José Tomás de
Aquino and Antonio Alexandrino de Mello.
Some of these structures are still standing today
and some are now designated as heritage
buildings. Vice President, Maria Gomes, with
the members of the Cultural Committee, Pinky
Silva and Jorge Remedios, were instrumental in
obtaining and putting together these historical
images and biographies of our distinguished
architects of the 19th century.
So, on this beautiful, warm summer night in August, 2010, a large crowd of some 140 gathered in the
Belmont Senior Center to celebrate our nostalgic past, our togetherness as a Macanese community and our
renewed zeal in promoting and encouraging participation in all our functions for the enjoyment of one and
all, but especially for the younger generation, who will represent UMA in years to come.
The cocktail hour was, of course, the chitchat and catch-up time for the guests as they mingled with drinks
in hand, and nibbled on the munchies to stave off hunger pangs till dinner time. For hors d’oeuvres,
Flavia and her able assistants produced hundreds of our famous ‘chilicotes’ and, needless to say, they sure
did a number on the palates and tummies, hmmm, hmmm, good!
Emcee Ray Xavier, with mic in hand, soon announced that dinner was about to be served but before the
long queues formed, President, Raquel Remedios, welcomed and thanked everyone for coming to our first
Noite Macaense of UMA 2010. She thanked everyone who helped to bring about this special celebration,
the planners, cooks, bartenders, etc. She next introduced Vice President, Maria Gomes, who spoke briefly
about the renowned architects, José Tomás de Aquino and Antonio Alexandrino de Mello, and then
Page 9 of 36
Noite
introduced their descendants; the great-great-grandchildren of de Aquino: Marcus de Carvalho, Lola
Gonzalez, Monica Oliveira and Raquel Remedios; and the great-granddaughter of de Mello: Lourdes
Remedios, who were all present at the Noite.
Joanne Segovia, daughter of Doddy and Sylvia Ribeiro, then gave us a heads up of the upcoming Festa de
Natal in December, a cultural celebration of Christmas geared towards our younger generation and their
families (our children, grand and perhaps great grand children). It is hoped that this event would ignite the
spark to bring in younger members who will become more involved with UMA and perpetuate our culture
and heritage long into the future.
After the speeches, the dinner service
commenced with two queues forming on either
side of the tables in front of the ladies serving
those famously delicious Macanese dishes,
namely, Vaca Estufada, Porco Bafassá, Minchi
and Couve e Lingüisa – a feast if ever there was
one! There was an abundance of food, for
seconds or thirds, and plenty left over! It took a
great deal of work for our expert chefs to
produce the variety and quantity of food for our
guests, and they performed the task with such
care and diligence as the partakers will attest and
depicted in the picture of the kitchen scene.
As the dinner came to an end, Bernie and the
Thunders came to life and began their music and
the dancers took to the floor quickly. We
received many compliments on the dance music
from Bernie and his band. His female vocalist,
Maralee serenaded the guests with her powerful and soulful voice. Bernie really energized the dancers
with his selection of dance pieces, from rumbas to cha-chas, jives and tangos to the line dances where
many took to the floor as soon as the music began – that’s dancing, whichever piece it was!!
Even as dancing continued and the wine flowed, the busy workers brought to each table a platter full of
our home-made Macanese desserts, Coqueira, Pão de Leite and Pudim de Arroz Pulu (Gummy) – what a
delectable variety of sweets to compliment a fine meal – yum – couldn’t have asked for more!
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Noite
Not to be overlooked was the raffle – a tableful of assorted items, one better than the next - ahuh! So, as
Emcee Ray called out the numbers, the lucky winners browsed over the fine selection, including a mink
stole and a fur collar, after they picked the next lucky number. One table had at least four lucky winners
with one or two of them winning a second, and even one, a third prize – is that luck or what?!
Well, as all good things must come to an end at some point, and as the clock ticked on, the wonderful
evening of food, wine and song drew to a close even as some dancers were still going strong. Though we
would have loved to have danced the night away, some weary bodies needed to call it a night and so we
did just before the stroke of twelve!
We had such a great turnout – a momentous cultural celebration indeed! This could be a precursor of
other events such as this. Everyone had a good time and some said that they were already looking forward
to the Noite next year. However, we must not forget this could only be accomplished through the
extraordinary efforts and hard work of our social committee: the chefs, the bartenders, set-up assistants,
etc.; Zinha, for the posters and the centerpieces, Chairpersons of the Noite, Johanna Terra and Raquel
Remedios, but most of all our Social Coordinator, Flavia, who at every step of the way, saw to the smooth
order of things – every little detail. So, to all the helpers and to you, Flavia, our heartfelt thanks for
making this event so successful and so enjoyable for all!
Page 11 of 36
By Joann Segovia
On Sunday, July 25th, UMA held its 2010 Invitational Golf Tournament. Thirty-five UMA members and
their families and friends took to the greens at Rossmoor’s Dollar Ranch Golf Course for a fun game of
golf. The weather was beautiful that day – just right for hitting the links. Cart boys, Bob (GL) Remedios
and Ed Guterres, delivered water to the players to keep them hydrated.
Golfers started arriving at 11:30 to register, receive their goodie bags – each
containing a golf hat donated by HJ Luebbert, golf balls, tees, fruit and trail
mix – and to warm up at the practice facilities. Before the shotgun start, the
rules for the game and the handicapping system were explained to the players.
The Callaway Scoring System was used to even the playing field. This oneday handicapping system gives even the once-in-a-blue-moon golfer a chance to attain a net score close
to that of a seasoned golfer.
After the game, the players and several of their guests and other non-golfing UMA members gathered at
a hall in Rossmoor for the Awards Dinner. The Social Committee organized a delicious Chinese menu
from New Lim’s in Concord. As everyone ate, the tournament committee and volunteers busily tallied
all the scores in preparation for the presentation of prizes.
Golf Committee:
Joanne Segovia, Rick Oliveira, Victor Oliveira &
Robbie da Costa
with UMA President Raquel Remedios
First, Second and Third Place men and women winners were awarded trophies. Medals were given for
Closest to the Pin and Longest Drive. The coveted trophy for the day, the Da Costa Cup, donated by
Robbie Da Costa was awarded to the player with the lowest gross score, Victor Oliveira. Victor shot an
amazing 82 to capture the prize. The Da Costa Cup will be on display at the MCC (Macau Cultural
Center) for all to see in the near future. It will be awarded to the player who attains the lowest gross
score at future Annual Invitational Golf Tournaments. Look for the flyer in next spring’s UMA News
Bulletin for sign-up information for next year’s tournament.
Victor Oliveira holding his
valuable prize flanked by the
trophy sponsor, Robbie da Costa,
and President Raquel Remedios
Page 12 of 36
Golf Tournament
The winners were:
Da Costa Cup Champion – Victor Oliveira
Callaway Winners – Men
1st Place – Bob Xavier
2nd Place – Fernando Baptista
3rd Place – Matthew Oliveira
Callaway Winners – Women
1st Place – Joanne Segovia
2nd Place – Teresa Luebbert
3rd Place – Brenda Oliveira
Closest to the Pin
Hole #2 – Chris da Luz
Hole #4 – Gary Ferras
Hole #10 – Bob Xavier
Hole #14 – Jim Remedios
Hole #16 – Chris Andres
Longest Drive – Men – Jonathan Luebbert
Longest Drive – Women – Joanne Segovia
Winners: Teresa Lubbert, Jonathan Luebbert, Jamie
Remedios, Victor Oliveira, Bob Xavier, Joanne
Segovia, Brenda Oliveira, Gary Farras, Chris da Luz
UMA’s Thanksgiving Mass
By Daniel Gomes
108 Members filled the temporary chapel at The Good Sheppard Church in Pacifica for UMA’s annual
Thanksgiving Mass on Saturday, July 24, 2010 at 11 A.M to show our gratitude for the many blessings
bestowed on our members, friends and relatives and to pray for our loved ones who are now with our
heavenly father. This has been our tradition for a number of years now – it all began in 1996 at Mount
Carmel Church in Redwood City. The first mass was chaired by Doreen Pereira and Vince Guterres.
Prior to the start of Mass, San Mateo President, Raquel Remedios welcomed the congregation to this
special annual event. It was such a beautiful sight to behold the members, with celebrant Fr. Lacey, all
praying and singing praises to The Lord, to the accompaniment of the Choir with Maria Gomes at the
piano and John Madeira, Felice Santos, Vilma Remedios and Janiece Duronset leading the congregation
in song. At the close of Mass, Fr. Lacey, as in past years, announced that our obligatory attendance at
Mass on Sunday was satisfied but The Lord would certainly be more than pleased if we cared to
celebrate Mass again on Sunday.
Back out in the somewhat chilly parking lot, the prayerful throng hurried along to the gymnasium to get
some nourishment and drinks. Marie, without a minute’s hesitation (with her willing helpers), went
about putting out the food – Chinese, of course, the best fare around (other than our own Macanese
cooking, of course). So, with queues on both ends, the huge trays of food were all but emptied out in a
matter of minutes. Deserts, coffee, tea and cold drinks rounded out the meal and everyone had a chance
to mingle, chat or exchange stories. What a pleasant way to spend a Saturday, with morning prayers, a
tasty meal and lots of camaraderie to go around. Congratulations Marie Guterres for another beautiful
Thanksgiving celebration!
Page 13 of 36
Scholarship Recipient
My name is Charles Goff and I am the grandson of Virginia Ribeiro Goff. I grew up in Corona, CA with my
parents, Michael (Virginia’s oldest son) and Mary Goff. I am the very proud recipient of a $1,000 scholarship for
the 2010 school year.
I am ecstatic about winning the UMA scholarship. This will help me in reaching my goal of earning a BS in
Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing and an MBA at Chapman University in Orange, CA.
Chapman University offers an Integrated Five-Year Undergraduate/MBA program where I would be able to
obtain a graduate degree with just one additional year of study.
Before I start back to school in the Fall, I am enjoying a great summer. I love to go to the beach, play in-line
hockey, and travel. I am looking forward to having a great college experience. I will be living on campus, and I
hope to play intramural sports and join the business fraternity. I plan on taking advantage of all the opportunities
that going to Chapman University offers me.
My heritage means everything to me, because it is not possible to know one's self without knowing where they
are from. Now it is my turn to write my own future, and I am confident that it will be nothing but positives for the
rest of my life.
Thank you again for your recognition of my high school achievements.
______________________________________________________
I was more than pleased to receive your announcement that Chuck, my only grandson to carry on the Goff name,
has won the 2010 UMA Scholarship. I am filled with such happiness, such pride, such love and something
special that I've always had deep in my heart at all the accomplishments that Chuck has achieved scholastically
and otherwise as a young boy and now as a young man.
Chuck has always excelled in school - the Dean's List as well as the George Bush's Presidential Award in Junior
High and now a Graduate with Honors and Distinction. He has high standards and determination to succeed,
and UMA can be assured that the 2010 Scholarship has been well placed and that Chuck will be successful in
pursuing a distinguished career in the field he chooses.
On behalf of Chuck, Mike (my son), Mary (his wife) and naturally me, I would like to thank UMA and the
Scholarship Committee in awarding this deep honor on Chuck.
Please convey my deep thanks to all in UMA for this wonderful honor.
Virginia M. Goff
Page 14 of 36
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SOCIAL
by Rita Guterres
They tell me it takes a "village" to make an event a success!! Our Southern California members proved this
saying to be true. On Sunday, July 11th, under a balmy sky, Gloria Sequeira and her team of hard-working adult
children created a garden party for us.
When our members arrived at 1 p.m., a pop-up canopy was already set up for the mahjong players, tables were
adorned with Gloria's famous hydrangea flowers and patio chairs were placed under shady trees. The afternoon
started with our favorite appetizers - chilicoti and cheese toast. The video "Patua de Macau, unde ta vai" was
shown at 3 p.m. and again at 4:30 p.m. When the video was over, dinner was served. Tacho (lovingly prepared
by Gloria) and Minchi (prepared by Rita) were the main courses, with sliced ham, sautéed asparagus and, of
course, our traditional accompaniment "balichao".
Delicious desserts were plentiful - bagi, gummy cake, bebinga-de-leite, upside-down pineapple cake, rum cake,
chocolate cake and peach pie. What a mouth-watering array of desserts for us to enjoy!
Gloria and Guido generously offered their home for our social event and we filled it with fabulous Macanese
food. The greatest ingredient, of course, cannot be cooked or baked, it is the ingredient of fellowship - a time
to cherish the friendship of our members. Thank you Gloria, Guido and your lovely family for your hard work.
Page 15 of 36
NOTICE
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Saturday, November 13, 2010 from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
at The Macau Cultural Center
109 J Street - Fremont, CA 94536
All Members are invited to attend the Annual General Meeting
Please let Marie Guterres know if you plan to attend the Meeting
Email: [email protected] or Tel: 650-359-3858
REMINDER
Membership Dues for Jan 1 - Dec 31, 2011
Young Adults (Ages 18-25) $10.00
Senior (65 & Over)
$15.00
Regular
$20.00
Non US Resident $25.00
Dues are payable January 1, 2011 and delinquent April 1, 2011. You will be dropped from the
mailing list if dues are not paid by Apri1 30, 2011. There is a reinstatement fee of $10.00 for payment
received after that date.
Please make check payable to: UMA, Inc. and send to:
Daniel Gomes – 4394 N. Sweetbriar Court, Concord CA 94521
For ease of communication, please include your email address & telephone no. w/your check.
Thank You.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CHRISTMAS PARTY
Date: Sunday, December 5, 2010
Place: Embassy Suites Hotel
8425 Firestone Blvd, Downey, CA
Time: BRUNCH from 10:00 a.m. to 2 00 p.m.
UMA members $20.00 per person
Non members $30.00 per person
Please make check payable to Gloria Sequeira and send to 10435 Vultee Ave,
Downey CA 90241 (Tel: 562-862-2614) by November 20, 2010.
The "Gazebo" has been reserved for the UMA Group.
There will be no refunds for cancellations after November 26, 2010.
We hope you will join us as it would be a wonderful way to start off
the Christmas Holidays celebrating with your UMA friends
Page 16 of 36
Overnight Stay at the SILVER
LEGACY
Leave: Sunday October 3, 2010 Morning
Return: Monday October 4, 2010 Afternoon
Cost per Person: Double Occupancy Only
UMA, Lusitano & CdeM Member:
$60.00
Non Member:
$68.00
Pick up:
Pick up:
Pick up:
7:30 AM Gellert Park - Callan/Wembly, Daly City
8:00 AM
Lawton & 37th, San Francisco
8:45 AM Rossmoor, Walnut Creek
1st day:
NUGGET, Sparks
Check in: SILVER LEGACY, Reno
2nd day:
4 Hours $8.00 rebate $3.00 food
$5.00 rebate $3.00 food
8:30 AM Leave SILVER LEGACY, Reno
CAL NEVA, Reno
6 Hours $10.00 rebate
2:30 – 3:00 PM
DEPART RENO
Disclosure: All tour and other activities for UMA, Inc. are for the convenience and pleasure of the passengers who desire to
participate. However, UMA, Inc. does not assume any responsibility for the
wellbeing or safety of the participants or passengers or their property in any matters concerning said tour. Passengers
participate at their own risk and will not hold UMA, Inc. responsible in any way.
Please Note: Casino bonuses subject to change with each casino at their discretion without notice.
Bus limited to 56 passengers – Reservations will be on FIRST COME FIRST SERVED BASIS. To
guarantee and confirm your seat, payment is due at time of booking.
Please call Johanna Terra at 650-355-5275 to verify if seats are available.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Please make checks payable to UMA, Inc. and mail to Johanna Terra at 23 Pio Pico Way, Pacifica, CA 94044
Name: ___________________________________________ Tel: ___________________
Name: ___________________________________________ Tel: ___________________
Pick up bus at_____________________________________
Please Note: There Will Be No Refunds For No Shows
Page 17 of 36
You Are Invited To
at the
MACAU CULTURAL CENTER
109 – J Street
Fremont, CA 94536
Date: Sunday, December 19, 2010
Time: 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Bring your Children, Grandchildren & Great-Grandchildren!!!
HO! HO! HO! Santa will be bringing gifts for Children Under 12 Years of Age!
Dinner: Roast Beef, Chicken, Baked Ham, Ribs, Shrimp Fettucine, Potatoes, Vegetables
Dessert: Alua, Farte, Genete and Christmas Cake
Cost per Person:
Children 12 & Under
Free*
13 years to 18 years
$10.00
UMA Member
$15.00
Non Member
$25.00
*NB: One Child 12 & Under per Adult
Deadline for Reservations: November 22, 2010
Max Capacity: 100 Persons
Please make your reservations early as space is limited – first come first served
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Please make checks payable to UMA, Inc. and mail to:
Maria Gomes at 4394 N. Sweetbriar Ct, Concord CA 94521 Tel: 925-798-2005
Name(s): _______________________________
_________________________________
Address__________________________________________
Tel No: ___________________
Info on Child 12 & Under: Name ___________________________ Age _____ Boy ____ Girl _____
Choice of Child’s Meal: McDonald’s Hamburger ____ Cheeseburger ____ Chicken McNuggets _____
Reservations may be made for tables of 8. Please list names on back of form. Thank you.
Page 18 of 36
Escape from Kowloon
By Elaine deSouza in collaboration with Vince deSouza, Jr.
The Japanese invaded Kowloon on December 8, 1941 at the same hour as their attack on Pearl Harbor:
Kai Tak was bombed at 7:00 am on Dec. 8th. Vicente F M deSouza and seven year old son Vince Jr.
stood on their front lawn on Kent Street in Kowloon Tong and watched the Japanese bombing Kai Tak.
Vicente “Vichy” deSouza worked for Cable and Wireless, a British
Communications Company that built and maintained the communications
infrastructure for the entire area. Because of his crucial position with the
company, it was imperative that he cross the harbor from Kowloon that
day to report to work at his office in Hong Kong. He managed to catch
the very last ferry as it pulled away from the docks amidst machine gun
fire from the Triad Gangs who had picked up weapons left by the
retreating British soldiers as they evacuated Kowloon for Hong Kong
Island. A woman near him was almost cut in half by the bullets. (These
events are confirmed in “The Fall of Hong Kong: Britain, China and the
Japanese Occupation” by Philip Snow). She was bleeding so badly that
Vichy wrapped his shirt around her as bandages. She died before
reaching the island. Vicente kept a brass window handle from the Star
Ferry window that was shattered by bullets as the ferry left Kowloon for
HK.
Meanwhile, two British soldiers came to the deSouza house in
Kowloon Tong and asked Vichy’s wife Stella if they could mount a
machine gun in the back yard as it overlooked the valley to the west
from which the Japanese were advancing. They proceeded to knock
down the back fence. But they only stayed for a short time and left.
When asked why they were leaving, one of them said they were not
going to take on the whole Japanese army on their own. Later, young
Vince Jr. went to the back yard to see what was going on. The cold
December night air carried the sound of the Japanese soldiers on the
move in the valley below. He could see what seemed to be thousands
of them with lanterns guiding their way. And he could hear voices of
the troops. Stella, realizing the danger, decided to flee the area and
head for their old neighborhood on Prince Edward Road. Vince Jr.
recalls that when they left it seemed the whole neighborhood was abandoned and completely in the dark.
Stella, 3 kids and 2 servants made a run for it in the dark and got to the intersection of Prince Edward
Road and Waterloo Road (the street running alongside St. Teresa’s Church). The fleeing family was
attacked by a mob of men who beat Stella and struck one of the servants in the face giving her a black
eye. After this assault, the family crossed Prince Edward Road only to be seen by another group down
the road who started to come after them. Stella picked up her youngest Gerry as she was so small, held
onto Rita and Vince Jr. and with the help of the servants, they all managed to get to their old house and
up the spiral staircase to the second floor. Just as the gang entered the ground floor, Stella was banging
on the door of their friends’ apartment. Thank God the people living there at the time recognized them,
opened the door and let them in. The gang did not try to come up and left the house.
Page 19 of 36
Escape from Kowloon
After several days working in Hong Kong, Vichy needed to go home to check on his family. According
to Armando Rosario, “I remember he told us (Mr. Pires, My Dad and myself), as we were all stuck at the
office when the war broke out, that he would find some way to get across. He told us he would be back
but we never saw him again.” Because there were no ferries operating, he bribed a fisherman to row him
across the harbor. Half way across the harbor, artillery located at Victoria lobbed two shells at them
which missed the small boat. The Chinese man who was doing the rowing pulled the oars in and started
to cry and pray as he figured the third shell would be on target -- but it never came. To bribe the man to
continue rowing, Vichy gave him his wedding ring and watch. Once ashore Vichy spent two or
three nights in the hills trying to get back to Kowloon Tong.
While in the hills Vichy found an amnesty leaflet dropped by the Japanese. It
bears a red rose with this inscription: "NOTICE: We will guarantee the lives of
those who make no resistance to the Japanese force and come for a peace. But
those who continue to make resistance against us will be shot to death." In the
lower portion of the leaflet, it says: "SAVE YOUR LIFE. 1. Show this paper to
any Japanese soldier. 2. Your life will be guaranteed, and you will be treated
good. THE JAPANESE ARMY HEADQUARTERS." Then there are some
Japanese characters below that. The most interesting part of this paper, in
Vichy's handwriting, are the words:" Found in the hill 13 Dec. 1941”.
As he traveled through the hills, Vichy was chased by a group of Chinese
collaborators but managed to get away. What he remembered most was how cold he was and to stay
warm he rubbed himself with Tiger Balm salve which he carried with him as he tended to get headaches.
He got to the Sisters of the Poor in Kowloon. They gave him some stale bread and hot tea. (He related
after the war that the bread was the best bread he’d ever had, having not eaten for several days.) When he
finally got to their house in Kowloon Tong and found that no one was there, he guessed that Stella must
have taken the family to Prince Edward Road where they had last lived. After re-uniting with his family,
they moved to another house further down Prince Edward Road.
Being neutral, the Portuguese government sent a fleet of boats to Hong Kong to evacuate the people of
Portuguese heritage. The deSouzas were evacuated from Hong Kong to Macau in late December 1941 or
early January 1942. They were taken to the Toi Shan refugee center in Macau and stayed several days or
maybe a week in one of the white plaster buildings. There were 15 or so of these houses in row after row
and block after block on each side of a main street – similar to the layout of the prison camps shown in
the movies. The total number of these houses must have numbered several hundred.
After leaving the refugee center they moved to San Paulo to the second floor of a yellow house about
100 yards below the steps of San Paulo. After a short while the family moved to a nice place right next
door to Saint Antony's Church, still in the San Paulo area. While living in Macau, Vichy got a job at the
Central Post Office and he was employed there for the next three years until the war ended. A son,
Joseph, was born to them during their time in Macau.
In December of 1945, the family returned to Hong Kong – the Japanese having surrendered in
September. Vichy had gone to Hong Kong a couple of weeks earlier to find a place for his family and he
found a place on Kimberly Road, where they lived for several years. Following the war, Vichy rose to
the position of Chief Clerk for the General Manager of Cable & Wireless. He and Stella added two
more sons, Arthur and Phil, to the family in the three years following the war.
Page 20 of 36
Maria Gomes, Fund-Raising Chairperson of MCC
WE CAN NOW USE OUR MACAU CULTURAL CENTER! Lusitano has scheduled two of their functions
at our MCC Ballroom in October, and UMA has scheduled their November Annual General Meeting as well as
their Christmas Party in December at our MCC Ballroom. We have on the next page the list of Rental Rates
for our Ballroom and our Conference Room. Please pass along the information to anyone who may want to
rent these facilities. We have leased the Conference Room to DeSousa Niles Yoga for three hours a week for a
total of 12 hours a month which will bring in some income for MCC. We look forward to many more rentals to
generate income for MCC to cover its operational costs.
The renovation of the two retail spaces are scheduled to be completed around middle of October; we should be
able to start renting these by middle of October or beginning of November THIS YEAR! We welcome any
information on individuals or groups that might want to rent our retail spaces. Each of the two renovated and
newly painted retail spaces enjoys its own brand new restroom and brand new frontage with glass display
windows. The smaller retail space is about 863 square feet, and the larger retail space is about 1440 square feet.
We have been able to get the renovation work done on our MCC building because we have received the support
and donations of so many members of our three Casas. The Directors of MCC would like to thank each and
everyone who made a financial contribution to MCC as they have made the MCC truly “OUR” Macau Cultural
Center. Now that you have made the Macau Cultural Center a reality, we would like to pay special tribute to
those who have been especially generous. We all realize that $1,000 is a great deal of money, thus we would like
to pay special tribute to all those who have been extremely generous in donating $1,000 or more. We would like
to create a historical documentation on these very special supporters of MCC for future generations. It will be a
one page tribute for each, in a book placed in a private space in the Office of our MCC. It will be an 8 ½ “ x 11”
page with a 4” x 6” photo and a 5” x 7” space for a tribute write-up of their choice in 12-point print. This write
up could simply be the names and brief identification of each member of the family or a very brief biographical
sketch, subject to approval. It will be an on-going situation as we hope that one day EVERYONE OF YOU
WILL BE PART OF THIS TRIBUTE TO LEGACY DONORS, because it is to celebrate and thank those who
have supported MCC with a CUMULATIVE donation total of $1,000 or more. It might be a donor who has
already donated $1,000 or more; someone who is a $500 Façade and Retail Space Sponsor and then donates $500
in 2011; or someone who donates $100 for 10 years. $1,000 is a very significant amount, and it would be nice
for their great-grandchildren to enjoy seeing a photo and write-up on their great-grandparents when they visit
MCC, whether they are from California or elsewhere. This album of “TRIBUTE TO LEGACY DONORS OF
MCC” will have laminated pages of these photos and write-ups, and a heavy-duty cover to preserve the
information for generations to come. Too often people know of their parents and grandparents but know very
little of their ancestors three and four-generations prior. Seldom do individuals have a photo of their ancestors.
This will be a photo and written record of your choice for future generations. This would be our tribute to your
generous support. We will be contacting our legacy donors on this very soon.
Now, our special thanks for donations since the previous bulletin: to our new “Façade and Retail Space
Sponsors”: Palmiro & Lucy Noronha, Eduardo & Alda do Rosario, Jorge & Elisa Rosario, and to Jacqueline
D’Eca for her donation – In Memory of Nydia Barretto Silva and In Memory of Marie Monteiro Gomes; to our
new “Logo and Signage Sponsors”: Palmiro & Lucy Noronha, Eduardo & Alda do Rosario, Jorge & Elisa
Rosario, and Daniel A. Souza: and to our new “2010 Friends of MCC”: Gustavo & Edyth Figueiredo, Edmond
Lee, Adaleine Lee, Donald & Elfrida Nazario, Palmiro & Lucy Noronha, Eduardo & Alda do Rosario, Jorge &
Elisa Rosario, Richard Silbert, Mabel H. Xavier, and In Memory of Joseph & Elvira Bisho.
The directors of MCC, who are also directors of your Casa, appreciate your donations, as we need to replenish
the General Funds of MCC which was used to pay the renovation bills. We need to pay the water bill, PG&E
bill, insurance bill, security bill, and tax bill, just to name a few. Be a $500 “Façade and Retail Space Sponsor”,
a “$300 Logo and Signage Sponsor”, or a $100 “2010 Friends of MCC”. Please send your donation in the
form of a check made out to “Macau Cultural Center” and mail it to Macau Cultural Center, Inc., 582
Market St. #1905, San Francisco, California 94104.
Page 21 of 36
HALL RENTAL RATES
BALLROOM
CASAS
2010 - CASA EVENTS
Flat Fee of $100 per use to cover basic cost (first 3 weekday and 3 weekend bookings)
EVENT SUPERVISION BY CASA MEMBERS
JANITORIAL (FLOORS, TOILETS, ETC) - $100 (OPTIONAL)
SET UP & CLEAR TABLES & CHAIRS - $100 (OPTIONAL)
DAY USE LIQUOR LICENSE & BONDED SECURITY GUARD - TO BE DETERMINED
2011 - CASA EVENTS
Flat Fee of $200 per use to cover basic cost (first 3 weekday and 3 weekend bookings)
ADDITIONAL WEEK-DAY (MON., TUES., WED.,THURS.) HOURLY RATE @ $50
ADDITIONAL WEEK-END (FRI., SAT., SUN.) HOURLY RATE @ $75
JANITORIAL (FLOORS, TOILETS, ETC) - $100 (OPTIONAL)
CASA MEMBER, IN GOOD STANDING, PRIVATE EVENT
WEEK-DAY (MON., TUES., WED.,THURS.) HOURLY RATE @ $90
WEEK-END (FRI., SAT., SUN.) HOURLY RATE @ $110
EVENT SUPERVISION BY CASA MEMBER
SECURITY DEPOSIT - $500 (refundable)
GENERAL PUBLIC EVENT
WEEK-END (FRI., SAT., SUN) HOURLY RATE @ $150
CONFERENCE ROOM
CASAS
UP TO 5 MEETINGS - FREE
ADDITIONAL WEEK-DAY (MON., TUES., WED.,THURS.) HOURLY RATE @ $10
ADDITIONAL WEEK-END (FRI., SAT., SUN.) HOURLY RATE @ $20
CASA MEMBER, IN GOOD STANDING, PRIVATE EVENT
WEEK-END (FRI., SAT., SUN.) HOURLY RATE @ $30
EVENT SUPERVISION BY CASA MEMBER
GENERAL PUBLIC EVENT
WEEK-END (FRI., SAT., SUN) HOURLY RATE @ $60
Page 22 of 36
Book Review by Daniel Gomes
This book by C.A. Montalto de Jesus in 1909, has been digitized by Kirtas Books and can be ordered
through Amazon.com or Kitasbooks.com for the princely price of $15. C.A. Montalto de Jesus is the
famous Macanese historian who chronicled the history of the Macanese people in “Historic Macau”.
Montalto de Jesus wrote that early Chinese writers were enamored with antiquity and wrote about
Shanghai when it was an alluvial plain under water, 22 centuries before it began its humble origin as a
fishing village called Hu-tuh. Exposed to the sea, the Shanghai plain suffered not only from pirate
incursions, but also from inundation caused by typhoons and heavy rain. The destruction of crops led to
famine and riots and land was known to have sunk into pools and suddenly disappeared during floods.
Waterspouts, which the chroniclers called, “dragons fighting in the air and water”, were regarded with
superstitious awe, enhanced by fabulous stories.
The most stirring episodes in the history of Shanghai were in connection with pirate raids along the
China coast in the early days. Shortly after the accession of the first Ming emperor, a Japanese piratechief seized the island of Tsung-ming and settled there. As the pirates approached Nanking, then the
capital of the Ming dynasty, a powerful fleet was dispatched and the pirates were captured and taken to
Nanking. In 1419 Japanese pirates landed at Kin-shan and Chinese Imperial troops were dispatched
under the command of How Tuan, who after a fierce battle routed the invaders and burned most of their
vessels.
Silk being in great demand among Japanese princes, they occasionally sent emissaries to China with
gold and silver to purchase this commodity – the principle staple of the Portuguese trade with Japan. In
1539 the Japanese sought to establish a commercial relation with Ningpo, which had a large population
of Portuguese traders. He quotes Mendes Pinto, who describes the mad rush of the Portuguese from
Ningpo to Japan with their first shipment of silk, “ the price of which rose in eight days from 40 to 160
taels per picul. The shipment went against the monsoon, in badly equipped junks. Most of the vessels
were wrecked at Goto and over 600 persons perished, including 140 Portuguese merchants of good
standing.”
The officials of Ningpo rebuffed the Japanese envoy. During this period, Japanese forces in concert with
Chinese pirates ravaged the coast from Shantung to Chekiang, penetrating as far inland as Soochow, and
even besieging Nanking. In 1543, a large Japanese force lay siege to Shanghai. Two Chinese Generals,
Wu Shang-wen and Sung Ngan, fought valiantly and where slain. Their forces were routed and the
Japanese set fire to Shanghai. The success of the Japanese is mainly ascribed to “the blacks slaves and
white devils in their service”.
There were European, as well as Indian pirates on the China Coast during that epoch. Mendez Pinto and
many Portuguese adventurers pried the China Coast in search of a powerful horde of Turks and Indians,
under a famous Guzerat leader named Coja Acem who robbed the Portuguese envoy Antonio de Faria in
Siam. Vowing revenge, Faria organized an expedition to capture the Guzerat leader. With the
assistance of Chinese pirates, Faria traced the whereabouts of Coja Acem and killed him in hand-to-hand
combat. Part of the fleet was then lost in a typhoon, and some shipwrecked men were known to have
languished in captivity at a place Mendez Pinto calls Nou-day. Faria sent a petition for their release,
with presents for the Mandarin whose haughty and uncompromising attitude, exasperated Faria and he
Page 23 of 36
Historic Shanghai
landed troops, released the captives, sacked the town and carried away all the pretty damsels in tears
amidst their revelries. Faria, later, started to rifle the imperial tombs near Nanking, believed to contain
fabulous treasures and on his way back drowned in the river. Mendez Pintos was taken captive and
casually relates how in the same year a raid on some villagers in the neighborhood of Ningpo caused the
provincial government to order the destruction of the Portuguese settlement; and as an eye-witness he
narrates, "that in five hours a force of sixty thousand men and over three hundred vessels reduced the
settlement to a heap of ruins – a catastrophe which cost the lives of twelve thousand Christians,
including eight hundred Portuguese who perished in flames on board thirty-five ships and forty-two
junks, the loss amounting to two and a half million gold crusados”.
Montalto Jesus wrote that in the annals of Ningpo there is no mention whatsoever of the catastrophe
Mendez Pinto relates to. An English missionary of Ningpo writes:, “In consulting the annals of Ningpo I
have nowhere been able to find any hint of any such calamity. Such a catastrophe as the destruction of a
town with its churches, hospitals, and a large fleet, and the massacre of so many thousands, the just
retribution brought down on the heads of obstinate and lawless foreigners who had enjoyed the favor and
smiles of the Flowery Land could not have escaped the attention of the court annalist. But there is the
most perfect silence on the subject”.
Never the less, the catastrophe recorded by Mendez Pinto, the “prince of liars”, stereotyped in almost
every work on China, remains the unchallenged version of the mysterious fate which befell the first
European settlement in China, regardless of the possibility that at about the same time a pirate fleet of
three hundred ships left Shanghai in ruins.
Mendez Pinto maintains a strange reticence as to the Japanese raids of the epoch – raids which would
have had a less chilling effect on China but for the fact that at Tanegushima he and his friends initiated
the Japanese in the use of firearms, and they soon began to manufacture them feverishly. This
overwhelming fire power left the Chinese forces at a distinct disadvantage.
Foreign intercourse, instead of leading to any improvement as in Japan, had only a deleterious influence
on the Chinese. It was remarked at Shanghai that manners and customs underwent a great change there
through contact with foreigners. The gentry flouted their wealth and the people grew quarrelsome,
greedy and given to pleasures.
From the ashes of Shanghai in mid 1500, there rose with the new city its most gifted and renowned
native – Siu Kuang-ki. Lifted by his brilliant talent to the highest academic and official position in the
empire, he inaugurated a new era by the introduction of Western learning. He availed himself of the
services of several Jesuit to improve China’s knowledge of astronomy and mathematics, diffusing
among the literate, admirable written treatises on these subjects. The elegance of his style is not
confined to his own writings; it is reflected in the masterpieces of Ricci and Pantojoa, composed under
his guidance. Siu Kuang-ki became a devote Christian and gave most of his property to the Jesuits, who
built the famous St. Ignatius Cathedral, hospital, observatory, school & nunnery on that site. He built
dykes, dams and agricultural canals to protect Shanghai from the devastating floods and famines which
appeared regularly before the 16th Century.
As far back as 1756, the East India Company sought to move its trading facilities from Canton to
Shanghai but to no avail. The Mandarins rebuffed them at every juncture. It was only when the
intolerable situation at Canton assumed a critical turn that the East India Company, in 1832 sought once
more to establish an entrepot in the Northern part of China. The sailing vessel “Lord Amherst” left
Page 24 of 36
Historic Shanghai
Macao with Mr. Hugh Lindsay to establish a trading port in the North. After repeated attempts at Amoy,
Foochow and Ningpo he set sail for Shanghai.
As the “Lord Amherst” approached Wusung on June 21, 1832, Chinese war-junks and the fort at
Wusung opened fire at the Amherst. At Wusung, mandarins in boats sought to stop the Lindsay party
from futher ingress, but Lindsay and a small party sailed up the river in a small boat and landed
unopposed in front of the city temple dedicated to the Queen of Heaven. Followed by a huge crowd, he
proceeded to the Taotai’s home, whose doors were hastily closed as the party approached. After
repeated knocking, the door gave way to the pressure and the visitors step into a large hall, however the
Taotai was nowhere to be found. The magistrate Wan Lun-chan, scolded them for venturing into the city
without permission and said, “You cannot trade here, you must go to Canton”. He berated Mr. Lindsay
and treated him contemptuously. Mr. Lindsay pressed on and finally Mr. Wan agreed to let him present
his petition to the Taotai.
Mr. Woo, the Taotai was just as uncompromising as Mr. Wan. He returned the petition, folded without
an official seal to humiliate Mr. Lindsay. Mr. Lindsay remarked that British ports were open to Chinese
vessels and Mr. Woo said, “let your government drive them away; they are not sanctioned by us”. After
much back and forth between Mr. Lindsay and Mr. Woo, Mr. Lindsay demanded that the petition be sent
to the viceroy in Nanking for whose intention it was intended. Mr. Woo acceded to his request and a
meeting with a representative from the viceroy of Nanking received Mr. Lindsay at the temple of the
Queen of Heaven. He suggested to Mr. Lindsay that an embassy should approach the emperor for a
repeal of the law prohibiting foreign trade, there being otherwise no alternative but to continue trading in
Canton. Having no other recourse Mr. Lindsay left Shanghai, with a barrage by the Chinese war-junks
to signify, “expelling the barbarians”.
In his report, Mr. Lindsay gave a glowing report of the wealth of Shanghai. The Director’s of the East
India Company, salivated at the thought of taping this wealth, so on June, 16, 1842, British warships at
the behest of the East India Company, lay siege to Shanghai, resulting in the installation of Sir. Henry
Pottinger as plenipotentiary.
From secret state papers captured during the war, it was learned that the imperial high commissioners
Ki-ying and Hipu had instructions to negotiate for the city, but they were delayed on the journey and
only their emissaries proceeded to Shanghai. The British declined to enter into informal negotiations
and the city was ransomed for three hundred thousand dollars as part of the indemnity. The British
Naval force, made up of 73 ships, left Shanghai on June 23rd and sailed up the Yangtze. The terrible fate
of Chinkiang, placed beyond doubt the futility of further resistance, however, it wasn’t until the ships
trained their guns on the famous city of Nanking that the imperial high commissioners produced their
credentials and set to negotiate the treaty that marked a new era in China, and the cessation of
Hongkong to the British Empire. This is often referred to as the “Opium War”, which resulted in
“Unequal Treaty's" imposed on China by the Western Nations.
Shanghai was declared open to foreign trade on the 17th November 1843. The mandarins devised means
to ensure revenue could be collected from foreign trade. Wealthy Chinese merchants were licensed to
establish warehouses where all local traders had to store their cargo and register their sale. The arrival of
British merchants led to many clashes with local property owners over land rights. It was originally
proposed that all lots within the settlement be secured by the British Government and an understanding
between the British Consul and the Taotai that, if other nationalities wanted to rent land, houses or
godowns within the settlement, they had to submit the proposal to the British Consul. The
Page 25 of 36
Historic Shanghai
settlement was merely defined as being situated “north of the Yang-king-pang and south of the Li-kiachang. The eastern boundary was never defined since the Totai reserved the right of the towing path
along the Huangpu River for the tribute-laden junks. This was a blessing in disguise, as this towing path
evolved into what we now know as the Bund.
The French were close behind the British and a French treaty soon ensued and in 1848, the French
Concession was established with the purchase of land from Siu Kuang-Ki for the Jesuit mission. The
American Settlement was unobtrusively founded in 1848 by Bishop Boone north of the Soochow Creek.
The American Consul, Mr. Griswold of Russell & Co argued against the principle of exclusive
privileges and the British Consul objected in vain to the American flag being hoisted on what was then
considered the British settlement. Then Mr. Griswold protested against the French concession. Nowhere
but in China could Foreign Consuls claim exclusive jurisdiction over large tracts marked off by them for
settlement. For all their zeal to create their own settlement, the French concession and the American
settlement lay neglected for many years. However, the British settlement grew rapidly and British
merchants flocked to Shanghai.
Montalto goes on to write about the Rise of the Foreign Settlements, the Taiping Rebellion, the Thirty
Mile Radius Campaign, the victories under Burgevine and Gordon, the fall of Soochow, the Municipal
Council evolution and Anglo-French rivalry in Shanghai. However, he does not cover the Portuguese
Settlements in those early days. It is up to the old time Macanese residents of Shanghai to record the
history of their families in Shanghai in those early days prior to the diaspora in 1949. Filipe Nery in his
book “Transitions” and Tani & Anatole Maher in their book “Memoirs: From Old Shanghai to the New
World” give us some insight into the lives of the Macanese in Shanghai. Some of their stories have been
reproduced in the UMA News Bulletin in the past and I will continue to publish excerpts of their stories
in future issues, however, I would like very much to receive pictures and stories from you old timers
before it is too late to record your history in the annals of the Macanese experience.
A view of the Bund in the Early Years
The Custom House (Chinese Structure and Dent’s Premise to the right)
Page 26 of 36
LEAGUE OF AMERICAN ORCHESTRAS
HONORS CONDUCTOR JOANA CARNEIRO
WITH HELEN M. THOMPSON AWARD
The League of American Orchestras presented Joana Carneiro, music director of Berkeley Symphony,
with the Helen M. Thompson Award at its 65th National Conference in Atlanta. The award recognizes
Carneiro’s commitment to expanding the community base of Berkeley Symphony and furthering the
orchestra’s tradition of presenting the works of composers of our time. In only one season, Carneiro’s
exceptional talent has inspired the musicians of Berkeley Symphony and raised their performance level.
Her appointment of composer Gabriela Lena Frank as Creative Advisor has resulted in new relationships
with community organizations and deeper connections with audiences. Audience response to Carneiro’s
leadership can be gauged by the orchestra’s record-breaking subscription rate in her first season.
The Helen M. Thompson Award was created in 1981 to celebrate the life and work of Helen M.
Thompson, who dramatically advanced and promoted the cause of the symphony orchestra in the United
States. Beginning in 1943, her 27 years of inspired leadership and service to the League encouraged
smaller budget orchestras to develop high standards and to serve their communities well. The award is
given particularly to recognize her support and encouragement of managers and music directors early in
their careers. Eligible nominees must hold the top managerial or music director position at a League of
American Orchestras member orchestra with no more than 5 years combined experience in a top
position. A panel of music professionals selects the winner.
Joana Carneiro became the Music Director of Berkeley Symphony at the beginning of the 2009-2010
season. She served as Assistant Conductor and a League of American Orchestras American Conducting
Fellow with the Los Angeles Philharmonic from 2005 - 2008, working closely with Esa-Pekka Salonen.
A native of Lisbon, Portugal, and grand-daughter of Art Carneiro, Miss Carneiro is currently official
guest conductor of the Gulbenkian Orchestra. Previously, she was Assistant Conductor with the Los
Angeles Chamber Orchestra and Principal Guest Conductor of the Metropolitan Orchestra of Lisbon.
She also served as Music Director of the Los Angeles Debut Orchestra following her selection in 2002
through the Young Musician’s Foundation- National Conductor Search, past winners of which include
André Previn and Michael Tilson Thomas.
REQUEST FOR USED STAMPS
Oscar Collaço would like all members/readers to save any colorful US stamps and all foreign used
stamps and send them to him. He uses the stamps at the school where he used to teach to expose the
students to stamp collecting and also to improve their knowledge of the world. Please send to:
Oscar Collaço
2642 45th Ave,
San Francisco, CA 94116-2645
ٛ
Page 27 of 36
Galleons & Globalization
August 20 – December 19, 2010
Mary and Carter Thacher Gallery, University of San Francisco
The University of San Francisco commemorates the 400th anniversary of the death of Matteo Ricci, the
Jesuit pioneer of inculturation, with an exhibition that brings together missionary and secular art,
artifacts, and books from the Spanish Pacific.
“Galleons & Globalization” explores the lively commerce in iconography, materials, and ideas that
shaped California’s rich mission arts, presenting over 125 objects dating from the 17th and 18th century
that exemplify the rich cultural interchange among missions in the Philippines, Macau, China, Japan,
Mexico, Peru, Paraguay, Baja and Alta California.
The Acapulco-Manila Galleons plied the Pacific trade routes from 1565 to 1815, exchanging American
silver for Asian porcelains, silks, spices, and luxury goods, providing a steady trans-Pacific trade in
books, artworks, liturgical and practical objects, as well as food stuffs. The exhibition opens with
artifacts from four of these sunken ships: the wreck of Galleon San Diego outside Manila Harbor (1600)
and three North American sites (the doomed San Agustin that broke up at Point Reyes in 1595, the
mysterious Oregon “Wax Ship,” and the Baja California San Felipe site that is still being excavated.)
The beauty, diversity, and richness of the artifacts is unexpected, even startling. Seen together these
objects—obscure treasures collected from sunken ships and prized selections from international
museums, California’s missions, and private collections—lead to surprising cross-cultural discoveries:
Jesuit images from India and porcelain from Macau; Christian pottery from China and Japan; a Chinese
Guadalupe from Carmel; a Risen Christ from the Paraguayan reductions recently discovered at Santa
Barbara; a Chumash basket woven with the Spanish imperial coat of arms at Ventura; vestments and
mantones de manila (Chinese silk shawls); Philippine ivories; a mission bell cast in Lima; ships’
carvings from Santa Barbara and San Antonio; and a Russian samovar from San Gabriel. All of these
demonstrate the beginnings of globalization that occurred in the Spanish Pacific from the late 16th
through early 19th centuries and contributed to the beauty and richness of California Mission arts.
The exhibit is complemented by an extensive display of very early imprints from Japan, China, the
Philippines, Mexico, and Peru in the USF Donohue Rare Book Room and a scholarly conference
“Legacies of the Book: Early Missionary Printing in Asia and the Americas” (September 24-26, 2010).
For more information about the exhibit and events, visit the Thacher Gallery’s website at
www.usfca.edu/library/thacher or call (415) 422-5178.
Page 28 of 36
Macanese Families website
Henry “Quito” d’Assumpção
A few years ago I wrote an article for various Casas de Macau Bulletins about a project I had
undertaken, to document the records of Macanese families. The objectives were:
•
to engender a sense of pride in Macanese heritage,
•
to foster interest in family roots among the newer generations of Macanese,
•
to help preserve our culture and history,
•
to have the work continue indefinitely into the future.
In 1996, Dr. Jorge Fojaz, a professional genealogist (family tree expert), published 3 large volumes
containing the names of over 42,000 people with family roots in Macau in Portuguese. I undertook to
translate all his data on births marriages and deaths to English, and into electronic format. This was
intended to make it more widely accessible, and to make
searches much easier. Since then, thanks to nearly 200
contributors all over the world, there have been many
improvements. The project database has been built up to
47,000 names and contains over 700 photos.
All the information is now up on a “Macanese Families”
website. Many people can identify thousands of their
relatives and trace their ancestry back several generations.
Each individual has a personal page that displays his or
her parents, spouse(s), children and, where available,
photos and details on education, occupation, etc. There are
charts showing all the descendants of “heads of families”. For a few people there are also charts
displaying all their ancestors and listing all their relations.
Many Macanese are only known by their (often weird) nicknames; to facilitate searches I have added an
index of l,800 nicknames, with links to each individual’s personal page.
There are many other features apart from genealogy. Several people have contributed articles on history
and culture. There is a chapter on our cuisine with some 200 recipes. There are other chapters on the
patois, places in Macau, maps and old pictures and
paintings.
A chapter is devoted to the 180-odd Macanese who have
received national honours for their achievements. Links
are provided to other websites, ranging from relevant
YouTube to the websites of particular families. There is
even a chapter on music.
What else could be done?
•
There is the beginning of a “Library” – a repository
of books, articles, etc, for both the serious and casual
researcher. Much more needs to be added.
•
Photos – both old and current – add so much interest
to the website, and quality photos are always welcome.
•
Although there is a substantial collection of old Macanese recipes, most are incomplete or
untested. I hope that in time experienced cooks will check and refine these.
Page 29 of 36
Macanese Website
•
More articles and biographical notes are needed – it is so important to capture memories before
they all evaporate.
•
There could be a periodical Newsletter to people who would like to receive one, pointing
significant changes to the website.
Over 400 people have registered to gain access to the website and have made 14,000 visits (“hits”). They
have sent many encouraging and enthusiastic comments. It is heartening that many visitors are from
younger generations.
In a few instances families have been reunited through this website: people have found brothers, sisters
and cousins that had been lost or that they did not even know existed; long-standing family rifts have
been healed.
For fairly obvious reasons, access to the website is restricted to Macanese (and their spouses). If you are
interested, there is a straightforward registration process:
1.
click on www.macanesefamilies.com to bring up the login page
2.
if this is the first time you are visiting, you have to register:
a.
click on “Create an Account” to get to the registration page;
b.
enter your name and choose a password (but be aware that the system distinguishes between
uppercase and lowercase letters);
c.
click “Register”;
d.
you have to wait a little while for the system to send you an email asking you to confirm your
registration.
3.
When you have done that you just login with your UserName and Password to gain access. There
is a HELP chapter to help you find your way around.
I like to think that good progress has been made towards the first three of the objectives listed above:
many visitors to the site have said how proud they are of their background, and how the site has helped
stimulate interest in their ancestry. The genealogy records, photos and articles are helping to preserve our
culture and history for posterity.
The coverage is, however, incomplete. Most visitors and contributors are from English-speaking
countries; very few are from Macau, Portugal or Brazil.
The objective I worry about is the last: how to have this work continue indefinitely into the future. I am
getting old and do not know how much longer I can continue. Money is not an issue: the cost of
maintaining a website is modest and I have borne it gladly. But the workload is demanding and there is a
challenge in mastering the software language and computer programs.
Is there a Macanese – or a group of individuals – with the skills and time to whom to pass this
responsibility?
So this short article has two purposes:
•
to encourage people – especially younger Macanese – to visit the website and contribute to it, and
•
to ask individuals and organisations to think about how to keep it going after I am no longer able
to.
Every Macanese can help in one way or other. If you have an interest in contributing data or in
collaborating on Macanese genealogy, culture and history, please contact me. My email address is:
[email protected]
Page 30 of 36
UMA 2010 BOWLING CHAMPS
by Pauline de Assis
This year, apart from the many tournaments the clubs hold, i.e., San Francisco Lawn Bowling Club
(SFLBC) and the Rossmoor Lawn Bowling Club (RLBC), among others, the Pacific Inter-Mountain
Division (PIMD) of the U.S. Lawn Bowling Association (USLBA) held their annual US Playdowns, for
both the men and women. These were held in June and July over several weekends for the bowlers to
qualify to play in the US National Championship to be held in Sun City, Arizona in October (Oct. 23 27).
The women were few in number who felt up to the challenge, but still they entered in hopes of winning
and the chance to compete in Sun City, AZ. The brave and stalwart ones from our UMA members were
Marie Guterres (SF) and Regina Banares (San Jose) in the Pairs and Sandy Souza (Rossmoor) in the
Singles. Marie and Reggie competed against three other pairs teams in Rossmoor on June 12-13 and,
well, they had no problem pulling ahead on the first day of play. On the second day, as they had a
comfortable lead over the opposition, they nailed it to become PIMD’s Championship Pairs. Sandy, who
was runner-up in the Pairs qualification games, decided to enter the Singles to see if her chances were
good to becoming a winner. The singles were held in San Francisco on July 10. It was no easy win but
she prevailed to come out PIMD Singles Champ for 2010.
The gals are elated and look forward to their Arizona trip to meet some of the “big guns” at the US
National Championship in late October. Competitors from across the U.S. travel great distances to
compete for the coveted prizes – the first, second and third place from among the standings. It’s a great
honor indeed just to represent PIMD in the National Championship! Good luck ladies – go get them,
we’re very proud of you!
Sandy Souza and Mimi Rodrigues are such avid bowlers, already champs in their own right as far as
we’re concerned – so why not enter the US Open?! Why not indeed? They will be traveling to So.
California playing at different venues such as Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Long Beach, etc. in late
September (Sep. 25 – 30) to meet and try to beat some very tough competition in Women’s Pairs games
- bowlers from the world over but mostly from Canada, England, Scotland and perhaps S. Africa. To
them we also wish much luck! Luck is certainly an important component in the game of bowls but no
less important though is one’s skill and confidence. So, armed with that – we say go do your stuff
ladies!!
Greg Collaço
Greg Collaço, son of Oscar Collaço in full 50 Lb gear climbing up 2000
stairs to raise money for various charitable causes. He has recently recruited
the police officers, other firefighters, military personnel, and martial art
enthusiasts to join him in doing this climb every year in order to raise funds
for their many local events and sponsorships.
Greg started this several years ago to promote asthma and healthy breathing
for the American Lung Association and personally raising $1,000.00 to
$5,000.00 for the ALA.
Now he has gone into the main sectors of community services to challenge
them to do their part so that they too can improve their fitness and help
worthy causes.
Page 31 of 36
Carini, Vickiann Vas, passed away unexpectedly on July 9, 2010. Vicki was born in San Francisco on
11/21/60. Devoted mother of Greg and Tony. Beloved daughter of Bernie and Barbara Vas. She also
leaves behind her loving brother Dave (Nicole) Vas and their children Bernard and Audrey, her favorite
uncle “G” Gerry (Ros) Cunha, former husband Bob Carini, brother-in-law Mike (Patti) Carini and niece
Gina; many relative, especially her close cousins, Mary (Rod) Beeve, Danie (Justin) Miller and Nicole
Cunha; dear friends; her cherished “Babies” at Peninsula Jewish Community Center Preschool, Foster
City; and Amber her cat.
A graduate of St. Cecilia Grammar School, Mercy High School, and City College of San Francisco
where she obtained her RDA and CDA credentials.
D'Almeida Luiz E. (Edo) Age 84, died in his Seattle home on August 7, 2010. He is survived by
daughter Patricia of Seattle, son Michael (Charleen) of Edmonds, brothers Julio and Manuel, sister
Maria (Nati), and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his beloved wife, Mildred, and his
brother Jose'. Luiz was born 2/7/1926 in Hong Kong. He immigrated to the U.S. with his wife in 1953
to raise their family. After retirement in 1990 and until her death in 2005, Mildred and Luiz saw the
world, wherever cruise ships traveled. Luiz will be missed greatly by family and many friends, but we
are consoled that he has been reunited with his loving wife. A private service was held on August 13th at
Hollywood Cemetery.ٛ
Gosano, John Joseph, age 55, passed away suddenly on April 24, 2010 in Sydney, Australia. He is
survived by his mother, Pam Gosano (widow of Bertie Gosano) and his brothers, Joe in Adelaide, Ric in
Queensland, David and Tom in Sydney, and nephews and nieces. Pam and her family wish to thank
everyone who sent them thoughtful cards and prayers.
Jorge da Silva, Francisco Xavier “Chico” Pacheco was born in Macau on December 12, 1925. Chico
passed away peacefully in San Rafael, California on July 21, 2010. He attended La Salle College before
World War II and studied drawing and painting under George Smirnoff in Macau during the War. Chico
is survived by his wife Phyllis Pilar Gonzaga Jorge da Silva, their three children, Maria de Lourdes
“Marilou” Lair, Carlos Augusto Jorge da Silva and Elizabeth Anne “Liza” Pacheco and his
grandchildren: Tonia Alexandra, Claudia Venessa, Marco Antonio , Ivan Luis, Monica, Fernando Jr. and
Jean Paul.
Karson, Ramona (Rull), passed away peacefully in Toronto on June 6, 2010. She is survived by her
sister Vivian and brother Peter. The family would like to thank all UMA members , relatives and friends
for their many cards of condolences, novenas and daily masses. She will be sadly missed.
Ramona lived a very constructive, happy and fruitful life. She came to the United States and lived in
New York, where she worked at the United Nations. She left the United Nations and started her own
garment manufacturing business. She then created her “RAMONA CREATIONS” of ”Kaftan” Loungewear, with her own designs, styles and prints, at factories in Pakistan. This venture was very successful.
During her many presentations on T.V. talk shows, promoting her lounge-wear in Toronto, she met &
married Tom Karson, a successful Canadian business man who passed away on June 5, 1989. After her
husband’s death, she closed “Ramon Creations” and lived a quiet life in Toronto, spending the winters
in Maui to enjoy the warm & balmy weather. Every Christmas the Rull family would gather in Maui to
spend a happy family reunion, however the family did not go to Maui in 2009 for Christmas, as Ramona
was not feeling “too good”. She was in and out of hospital in Toronto. After much complicated medical
diagnosis, Ramon passed away peacefully. Our prayers will always be with our dear sister Ramona.
Page 32 of 36
Obituaries
Lewis, Alexander Joseph, Sr. passed away on July 25, 2010. He is survived by his wife Therese Carmel
Lewis, his son Fr. Alexander Lewis, his brothers and sisters and extended family. Please see his memorial on
page 34.
Pereira, Alfredo, June 13, 1930 – August 16, 2010, born in Shanghai, China and died at home in
Walnut Creek, CA. He is survived by his wife Magdelene, daughter Cynthia (Steve), sons Michael
(Annette), Carl (Shelly), grand children Nicholas, Mathew, Mikki, Chase, Sami , Makena, sister Patsy
and many nephews and nieces.
He joined the merchant marines and left Shanghai in 1949. Later joined his parents in Macau and was
drafted by the Portuguese army. While in Macau he fell in love with the love of his life and he and
Magdalene were married. In 1957 they immigrated to San Francisco and he worked for Quantas & IBM,
retiring from IBM in 1992. Alfredo lived life to the fullest, enjoying Karaoke, Lawn Bowling and the
companionship of his friends in Rossmoor. He enjoyed working with his hands and built a beautiful
vacation home in Calaveras County. Alfredo was a good friend and a long time member of UMA who
always had a big smile for everyone.
Speer, Cathrina,“Trina” Pereira, September 26, 1974 – August 5, 2010, born in Torrance, CA, and
died at her home in Portland, OR. Trina studied at Rosary High at Fullerton, CA and majored in Life
Science Biology at the University of Portland, graduating in 1997. She travelled extensively in South
America, Europe and China. She found her love in Eric Speer of Portland and married him December
30, 2003. Trina and Eric have two children, Erica (6) and River (2). She is also survived by her parents
Barbara and Delano Pereira, and brother Andrew, sister-in-law Printha and nephew Alex. Trina was very
ecologically conscious of the Earth and loved animals, especially cats and dogs. She was interested in
veterinary medicine and worked at the Animal Medical Clinic in Portland. Friends and family will miss
her cheery smile, selfless generosity, and fondness for children and animals. Trina was a youth member
of the Southern California Chapter of UMA.
Westwood , (Wally) Thomas Walter. Wally was born in Shanghai, November 20, 1927. He passed
away in San Francisco July 25, 2010. He is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, Merce Ramos
Westwood, his sisters in law Carmen Herrero and Betty Ramos, brother in law Ian James, and three
generations of nieces and nephews. Wally was preceded in death by his parents, his sister and brother in
law Daisy and Henry Hyndman and a brother Jimmy.
REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
Ada Foster Ellis, Yvonne Nunes’s aunt is trying to locate an old friend by the name of Joseph Gascon.
He has a sister named Barbara (Bebe). It has been many years since she last saw him and would like to
be in touch with him again. If any one can help her locate her old friend please contact her at:: (775) 3567394? At the time of their last meeting she lived in Duarte, CA but she now resides in Sparks, NV.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Bernard & Barbara Vas would like to thank all their friends for attending the Memorial Mass and
Reception for their beloved daughter, Vickiann Vas Carini, and also for their prayers and expressions of
sympathy.
Page 33 of 36
In Memory of Alexander Joseph Lewis, Sr.
March 11, 1926 - July 25, 2010
by Fr. Alexander Joseph Lewis, Jr.
It is with deep sadness that I announce the death of my father,
Alexander Joseph Lewis, Sr. I know that many people within the
Macanese community throughout the world knew my father with
great love, devotion, and humor. He often spoke of his connections
with many of you and I could see the excitement in his eyes when
he remembered someone from the Hong Kong-Macau days. I felt a
great joy and pride in being the son of a man who had such a
fascinating history and culture.
I remember the first time I visited Hong Kong and Macau with my
parents. The memories flooded their minds and hearts as if it were
only yesterday. One can never be separated from one's history both
the tough memories of war and the incredibly joyful memories of
gatherings and great Macanese food. I want to hold on to all those
memories that my parents have shared with me through the years.
They are a part of me as well and I will always keep those
memories alive in my conversations with anyone who asks me what my cultural background is.
In the closing year of my father's life, we were led to believe by the doctors that he was dealing with
muscle problems and old age. We only found out recently that he was actually living with lung cancer.
By the time the tumor was discovered, it had already grown to sizable proportion in stage 3A. Our family
did everything we could to give my father the hospice care and dignity he deserved but it was he who
kept us all going in those final days with his classic humor and joy. He greeted all his visitors with
excitement, emotion, and gratitude. It was he who showed us the valiance of a human being facing death
with strength, faith, and joy. For that, my family will always be grateful to him.
My mother, [Therese Carmel Lewis], my brothers and sisters and extended family, are grieving the lost
of such a wonderful human being. Thanks to all of you for being good friends to our father and those
who kept in touch with him by phone and mail through the years. My mother especially sends her
greetings to all of you. In lieu of flowers and gifts, our family has set up a fund for our father with the
City of Hope attached to his grandson's name [Brandon Bullough] whom they have helped out
tremendously during the treatment of his own cancer. Donations can be made to the City of Hope by
calling 866.683.HOPE (4673) with Laylani or Noel. You may also use the following link by internet to
make a donation but our family will only receive notice of the phone donations:
https://secure.cityofhope.org/donate/Main/CardsForHope.aspx. Proceed to "in loving memory" and fill
out the form. Where it says recipient's address please use 27829 Qunicy St., Castaic, CA 91384. Please
also visit my sister's blog [Mary Bullough] at simplybull.blogspot.com to read up our father's closing
days of his life on earth with the link to the City of Hope.
Thanks to all of you from my mother and family for all that you meant to my father through the years.
He missed the Hong Kong-Macau energy very much and his connections with you kept those memories
alive. The moment of his death on July 25th 11:45 PM was filled with complete peace and silence. It
was the Lord's Day. It was in this moment that I know the angels came to bring my father safely home to
our all loving God and he is once again with my brother, Albert Brian Lewis, and all our deceased family
members and ancestors. May he fill us all now with his simplicity of life and his sense of humor.
Page 34 of 36
UMA, Inc Officers & Directors
Title
Name
Home Address
President Raquel Remedios 845 Tournament Dr,
Hillsborough, Ca 94010
Vice-Pres Maria Gomes
4394 N. Sweetbriar Ct,
Concord, Ca 94521
Treasurer Daniel Gomes
4394 N. Sweetbriar Ct,
Concord, Ca 94521
Secretary Robert de Graca 831 Sean Place,
Concord, Ca 94518
Director Arnaldo Barros
446 17th Avenue
San Francisco, Ca 94121
Director Sally Carchidi
2257 Seaview Dr,
Fullerton, Ca 92833
Director Ed de Assis
1124 Singing Wood Ct,#8,
Walnut Creek, Ca 94595
Director Marie Guterres
825 Prairie Creek Dr,
Pacifica, Ca 94044
Director Rita Guterres
19202 Benfield Ave,
Cerritos, Ca 90703
Director Rita Ribeiro
1152 Fairlawn Ct #1
Walnut Creek, Ca 94595
Director Gloria Sequeira
10435 Vultee St.,
Downey, Ca 90241
Director Alex Xavier
5 Belmont Drive,
Daly City, Ca 94015
Director Maureen Xavier 5 Belmont Drive,
Daly City, Ca 94015
Phone (Fax)
650-349-2707
Email
[email protected]
925-798-2005
[email protected]
925-798-2005
[email protected]
925-685-8869
[email protected]
415-751-3307
[email protected]
714-526-5986
[email protected]
925-943-2003 [email protected]
650-359-3858
[email protected]
562-924-3108
[email protected]
925-932-7652
[email protected]
562-862-2614
Gloria [email protected]
650-991-2868
[email protected]
650-991-2868
[email protected]
All Day Social
On September 11, 2010, UMA held it’s All Day Social in Pacifica. The morning was cold and foggy but
by 10 AM the sun appeared and the members fortified by a delicious continental breakfast began their
games in earnest.
Approximately 65 people enjoyed a wonderfully relaxing day playing card games, reminiscing about old
times with friends and being feed three square meals by the hard working Social Committee and helpers.
The members at the Poker Table thoroughly enjoyed the “Joke” with all the trimmings on top - their
biggest complaint was that they would have liked to have had more “pei tan”, even though the Social
committee allowed one “pei tan” for each person. From my vantage point some people had their bowls
filled with half “Joke” and “half pei tan”. Even if we had 5 “Pea tan” for each person, they would still
be complaining. As far as I am concern, the lunch was the high point of the day. The Chinese Dinner
was also very good as was the deserts as usual. Congratulation to the Social Committee.
Page 35 of 36
UMA CELEBRATES TWO MACAENSE ARCHITECTS OF THE 19TH CENTURY
José Tomás de Aquino’s
Palacio de Santa Sancha
Antonio Alexandrino de Mello’s
Clube Militar
A Quarterly Publication of the Macanese Diaspora
Associate Editor for Distribution: Francis Carion, 1112 Rockledge Lane, No.7, Walnut Creek, Ca 94595
Page 36 of 36

Michael Senna Finds Adventure After Building R2-D2

Transcription

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