Barry Bonds’ giant leap into history

SAN FRANCISCO, Ca. – Even as US and British forces bombarded Taliban targets in Afghanistan, a jittery America went on its business of living – and enjoying – the long weekend. San Francisco Giants slugger Barry Bonds made baseball history by hitting his 73rd homer, exceeding his own record for the third time in two days. In Vallejo, our own Dorothy Delasin won the Samsung World championship by four strokes at the Hidden Brooke Golf Club. The 21-year-old Filipina (who has been a pro for only two years) beat an elite group of 20 of the best women golfers in the world, taking in a $157,000 purse, her third and biggest career victory. Dorothy grew up in Daly City and in Vallejo, which also has a large Fil-Am population. She was clearly the favorite. Fans kept cheering her on and carried banners declaring their loyalty.

"Seeing everybody out here cheering me on, the feeling was amazing," Dorothy was quoted as saying. "I’ve been working so hard, and having my family out here to support me is great."

Dorothy played steadily and with confidence, plodding on even as her opponents Karrie Web and Se Ri Pak committed some errors. Delasin shot a 3-under 69 in the final round, garnering a total of 277. Her closest rivals carded 281.

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Friends of well-liked community leader Amado Villanueva celebrated his appointment to the Commission on Publicly-Assisted Medical Care, with a dinner party at the home of Vic and Aida Barrios in San Francisco. Amado was appointed by the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors to fill one of the seats of probably the most important commission in the county. His fellow commissioners include supervisor Mike Nevin, board president, supervisor Rich Gordon and the CEOs of the largest hospitals in San Mateo.

With husband Vic Barrios out of the country, Aida acted as hostess to Amado’s many friends and fellow community activists, among them Norma Feria, Nena Iboleon, Lillie and Ed Mauricio, Dr. Helen Muriera, realtor Virgie Buban, Gloria and Danny Navarrete, Rick and Winnie Radtke, Jordan and Chichi Valenzuela, Mely Fernandez and Laarni San Juan of California Health Initiatives, George Nervez and Cynthia Pascual of Filipino Guardian, Bea and Jose Delgadillo of Thomasians USA and Andy and Miniang Belarmino of the Daly City-Quezon City Sister City Committee.

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Speaking of the DC-QC sister city group, they celebrated their Filipino Festival the other weekend without the presence of Quezon City Mayor Sonny Belmonte who was unable to make the trip due to previous commitments. However, the two-day fiesta was a huge success with many commercial establishments and restaurants setting up booths at the Westlake mall.

Daly City Mayor Mike Guingona proudly carried his little boy on his shoulders, while mom Connie Lichauco and Lupita Kashiwahara watched the program from the sidelines. Among those present were Dr. Tony Gualberto, committee chair Mike Scott, Andre Belarmino and committee members Marivic Bamba of LBC, Perla Barrientos and Virgie Gualberto. At the luncheon, who should walk in but Gov. Chavit Singson, who happened to be in town for a few days.

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A thanksgiving memorial service was held at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Burlingame in memory of Rey Mariano who passed away last Thursday. His widow, Malu Camesa Mariano, family members and friends, remembered Rey in a somber, dignified and stately manner. Mass was officiated by Fr. Albert Vucinovich while the Philippine consulate choir headed by Jun Cardenas provided the music. Dr. Tito Yusi was soloist. Remarks of remembrance were offered by Rey’s closest friends at Pacific Bell, Al Kellogg, Miguel Molina, Alex Vo for Thomas Saaty and Ray’s brother, Roberto Mariano.