Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Drs James and Irene Wakeham Lee


Lydia T. Roda, James Lee, Tita V. Rada, Cora A. Coo, and Irene Wakeham Lee
New Year's Eve (31 Dec 2009) Linda Valley Villa, Loma Linda

FAR EASTERN DIVISION OUTLOOK
VOL. 33 SEPTEMBER, 1947 No. 5, pp 2-3

Echoes from Philippine Union College
IRENE WAKEHAM
Professor of English, Philippine Union College

A Correction

Credit for the article in the July issue of the Outlook entitled Philippine Union College was given to Dr. A. N. Nelson. We have been informed that Miss Irene Wakeham prepared this splendid report of the college and we wish herewith to give her credit for the same. Sincere regrets for the error. Editor.


http://docs.adventistarchives.org/docs/FEDO/FEDO19490201-V35-02__B.pdf#view=fit
Far Eastern Division Outlook, VOLUME THIRTY-FIVE FEBRUARY, 1949 NUMBER TWO

pp 5, 6
























Far Eastern Division Outlook, VOLUME THIRTY-FIVE DECEMBER, 1949 NUMBER TWELVE
pp 1, 2


http://docs.adventistarchives.org/docs/RH/RH19510705-V128-27__B.pdf#view=fit
The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, VOL. 128, NO. 27 JULY 5, 1951
pp 15, 16




FAR EASTERN DIVISION OUTLOOK, VOLUME FORTY-ONE OCTOBER, 1955 NUMBER TEN 


http://docs.adventistarchives.org/docs/FEDO/FEDO19560701-V42-07__B.pdf#view=fit
FAR EASTERN DIVISION OUTLOOK, VOLUME FORTY-TWO JULY, 1956 NUMBER. SEVEN
pp 2-8





FAR EASTERN DIVISION OUTLOOK, VOLUME FORTY-FOUR 'OCTOBER, 1958 NUMBER TEN 
p 5
http://documents.adventistarchives.org/Periodicals/RH/RH19610202-V138-05.pdf
The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, Vol. 138, No. 5 February 2, 1961
pp 19, 20





































REVIEW AND HERALD, July 12, 1962 Vol 139, No 28
pp 12, 13


REVIEW AND HERALD, April 25, 1963  Vol 140, No 17
pp 1, 8, 9







FAR EASTERN DIVISION OUTLOOK November, 1965  Vol 51, No 11

REVIEW AND HERALD, April 27, 1967  Vol 144, No 17
\
P.U.C. School of Graduate Studies Faculty, 1968
Lower, L-R: Dr Engracia A. Rasa, Dr Rogaciano Imperio, Pres. Alfonso P. Roda, Dr Esmeraldo A. De Leon, Middle: Dr Irene Wakeham, Dr Gottfried Oosterwal; Upper: Dr Sydney E. Allen, Jr., Dr Ottis C Edwards, Dr Donald Halenz, Dr Lawrence A. Eldridge, Dr Leland A. Wilson

FAR EASTERN DIVISION OUTLOOK, May, 1967 


FAR EASTERN DIVISION OUTLOOK March, 1971
p 14

http://documents.adventistarchives.org/Periodicals/FEDO/FEDO19740701.pdf
FAR EASTERN DIVISION OUTLOOK July, 1974
p 3
New Year's Eve (31 Dec 2009)
Linda Valley Villa, Loma Linda
by Tita Rose Villanueva Rada
Friday, January 1, 2010 8:05:16 AM
New Year 2010 Greetings

Lydia, Tita, Dr Irene, and Cora
Dear ones:

Here's sending our warm greetings wherever you are as 2010 rolls around!

What a lovely way to spend part of New Year's eve--visiting with two of PUC's former faculty members--Ma'am Nati Salvador (math professor) and Dr. Irene Wakeham Lee and her husband Dr. James Lee!

Since the Coo family (Dr. Joselito and Cora with daughter Cecile and three grandchildren- -Sophia, Elisha and Joseph) and Mrs. Lydia Roda were here in Loma Linda, I decided to join them as they dropped in on Ma'am Nati Salvador, who still has her sense of humor intact. We talked of PUC and Baesa days and familiar persona and her wit still emerged despite the onslaught of diabetes. I reminded her of her trademark mannerism of making a squeezing motion of her fists atop each other and we all laughed.

We almost missed seeing the Lees because, unknown to us, they had moved back to their former apartment at the Loma Linda Villa. Dr. Coo noticed a slightly ajar door that had a "The Lee's" sign hanging on it and called our attention to it. So we knocked and well--just letting you all know, (Dr. Danny Dial, especially, if you still don't know) that we caught them in the midst of packing and getting ready for their move to TN to live with Pastor Lee's son, David, and his family. They are both 97 years young but their memories are still remarkably in tact. We had some snapshots with them.

Dr. Irene's concern was the eyesight of Pastor James who is almost totally blind. She thinks it's better to be with family at this stage. So, if any of you want to catch the Lees here in LL before they leave for TN, this is giving you all a heads up notice.

One of the blessings of this year was getting in touch with Henry's PUCA classmates through their website. A gem of a new year greeting we received is the one below sent in by Henry's minister/classmate, Pastor Jerfelino Montalban (his father, who is 90 years old, used to work as a translator at the PPH years ago). I'd like to share it with you all with his permission.

...As we step into the new year
marking another milestone
of past accomplishments
and facing another round
of opportunities to excel...

...We look back to the time
when the terms and conditions
of God's new covenant
were validated in the passion
of Jesus of Nazareth
when the old was gone
and the new had come...

...We look around in the here and now
to upload in our hearts and minds
the love and victory of the Christ...

to lift us up beyond our apathy,
mediocrity and indifference. ..
to download in suffering humanity
just a fraction of our blessings,
the benefits of our good life,
the fulfillment of our childhood dreams,
the resurgence of our new birth,
and the joy of our comfort zones...

to perchance help alleviate
the hunger...the thirst...
the oppression of the faceless,
nameless throng...

...and...

...We look forward to the new timeline
of the eschatological finality
when the present decadent cosmos
shall have melted and disappeared
to the dawn of the new dispensation
of the new heavens and earth
when there's no more culture
of rich and poor,
of powerful and weak,
of haves and have-nots,
but a new and glorious future
and bliss of eternity...
...Happy New Year to All!!!



With that--I hope 2010 finds you all well and inspired to do greater feats as you serve in the Lord's vineyard (wherever that may be) and that you discover real JOY this year as you share Jesus with others and experience for yourself His presence in your life more fully!

Love, blessings and prayers
from Tita Rose
at AGAPITA's ABODE (Ps. 90:1 and 1 John 4:8 & 16)

* * *


On Sun, 1/3/10, Veneracion Cabana wrote:

Hello, Tita, Myrna, et al.,

Thank you for the news about the Lees. I last saw them during the MVC meeting at Loma Linda last year. Since we were assigned to the same table at the banquet, we had a grand time recalling MVC days, especially her effort to teach Filipinos the "f" and "v" sounds. She had us looking at a small mirror and with a pencil pushing up the upper lip, we recited "flitter, flatter butterfly... ." At 6:30 in the cold MVC morning! Learning the "j" sound without sounding "dy" was another struggle. I guess we Filipinos are not explosive! And for my early morning efforts, my one and only C! I guess I deserve the grade because until now, whenever I give a lecture at some Filipino audiences, someone is apt to say, "Si Ate Vener, tagal na sa America, Filipino English pa rin!" No fault of Dr. Wakeham, just my stubborn anatomy refusing to cooperate.

Forty plus years in the US and still a Filipino - shall I laugh or cry?

Miss Wakeham, we fondly called her then, became acting President when I was here. That was the time when tribal intrigues were at their height, when some students were involved in a knife fight, one student from the South with a stab wound in the thigh bleeding under the ramps, another student from the North bleeding from head wounds, and Miss Wakeham walking straight and tall into the melee. Indellibly imprinted in my memory, 50 years could not erase the image of those instigators bandaged and bound for home waiting for a ride home at the ramp at the Ad building when I passed on my way to the cafeteria early the next morning. From whispers I heard, I learned of the who and why, and the admiration for Miss Wakeham's brave intervention, a woman walking into and singlehandedly stopping a deadly fight! I wonder how those students are in their adult life. Lest you wonder, tribal animosities no longer exist. Tribal identities are becoming integrated, especially with media communications broadcasted throughout the country, mostly in Tagalog and English.

I'm now back on the campus and electronically connected again. In Tuguegarao, the connections were so bad during the holidays. By New Year, we had no connection at all, and I was only able to write a simple Happy New Year greeting. But I got re-acquainted with the New Year celebration here in the Phil. Lots of noise, every home having a firework of one version or another, some more dangerous than others. Because of paint thinners at the factory my relatives' place, the use of fireworks was forbidden. So when the boom, boom, boom, pop, pop, pop, sizzzs, sizzzss, sizzzsss started, my cousin opened the compound gate and turned on the siren from one of the vehicles adding to the bedlam of sounds and the showers of fire that filled the midnight sky. We watched from the windows but did not dare go to the rooftop where they have an open area for parties and gatherings for fear of being hit by some firecrackers (remember Dr. Douglas K. Brown, Philippine Union College chemistry professor, academic dean and dean of school of science and technology), or even a stray bullet as happens in some places. Lots of accidents, even deaths, lots of laws and safety rules that people ignore, just to noisely welcome the New Year. After the noise died down some, we had the "Media Noche" feast then went to bed filled. 2010 has come.

We arrived here last night after a 24 hour travel, 12 of that an all night drive straight from Tuguegarao. We barely made it for our 8:00 AM flight to Cagayan de Oro Sunday morning. Hoping to move in to the house assigned to me this week, we went shopping at Cagayan de Oro for small items for the house, from chopping board to buckets for the bathrooms (CR they say here). I have to go down to Valencia sometime this week to buy some appliances such as refrigerator, stove/oven, washer/dryer, standard in American homes but not here in the Philippines. Ordinary households here buy food from the "palenke" enough for a day so no need for a refrigerator. They cook by sticks or charcoal, or gasul for those who can afford gas, and wash by hand, no need for stove/oven and washing machine/dryer. But the US has spoiled me and appliances have become a necessity.

Pardon my long-winded chat. Be assured it's not my New Year's resolution.

Vener

P. S. Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures with them, much to my dismay... It was a big happy surprise when we heard that MVC's Dr. Wakeham was getting married to another MVC missionary. We wondered whether Elder Lee was the mystery in her book, "For Dreams Must Die" (or some such title, my memory is faulty). I heard that she wrote a letter to Dr. Luceno Quirante, Sr. the opening sentence of which asked whether he was standing or sitting because she had a big surprise to tell - that she was getting married to Elder Lee. The couple were guests at our church in Hinsdale sometime later. She is close to one member of Hinsdale (Priscilla Brion, now Mrs. Samuel Cahilig) who stayed in her house when she studied in MVC.

Vener

* * *


From: "myrna dial
Sent: Friday, January 1, 2010 4:47:27 PM GMT -08:00 US/Canada Pacific

Hi Tita,

Thanks for letting us know of the Lee's plan of moving to TN. Dr. James Lee left messages on our phone looking for Dan but I was in Tepic, Mexico and was not able to respond to him right away. Dan and I will be having a dinner meeting with Dr James and Irene Lee at Linda Valley Villa this evening. This might be our last get-together with them before they leave for Tennessee and before Dan leaves for P.I. on Sunday night. We had spent time with them during Mother's day and Thanksgiving day. They would always invite us to join them at Linda Valley Villa during special occasions. We will surely miss them. MVC is very dear to their hearts. Have you read the book (The Mountain, The View, The College: Pineering Days) about MVC authored by Dr. Irene Wakeham Lee? On my previous visit to their place, Dr. Irene Lee shared with me a few verses she composed on aging. They have been MVC's ardent supporters. 


As I was packing my things for my trip to P.I. I came across a verse that I  scribbled on a piece of paper. During my last visit to Drs. James and Irene Wakeham-Lee just before they moved to Tennessee, we got into a conversation on poetry. Dr. Irene recited this verse (we had a good laugh!) and I asked her if I 
could write  it.  Here it is---for you folks who are advancing with age!!

I'm happy with bifocals
My dentures work just fine
My hearing aids are okay too
But I sure do miss my mind!
* * *

From: Tita Rada 
Dear Ate Myrna and Kuya Danny:

How did your dinner with the Lee's go? I'm glad you got to catch them both before they leave for TN. Here's praying for a safe journey for Kuya Dan--may he travel safely on Angels' Wings Airline.

During a few visits back with the Lee's, I was a delighted recipient of her book--The Mountain, the View and the College. After reading it, I even remarked that it should be a "must" reading for all MVC students and faculty members. I was even able to ask a few copies for members of the Jamandre family since I know that the Jamandres figured prominently also during MVC's pioneer days.

I wonder if the MVC alumni here in the US even have copies of the book much less read it. I also received a copy of Pastor Lee's booklet (which Dr. Irene helped to write) recounting his experiences in the interment camps in the Philppines during WWII. He also mentions the Jamandre family in it.

We attended the last MVC alumni gathering held at LV recently. Kuya Rene [Dr Renato Rada] asked us to attend. His ties with MVC date back to the years when he was college physician. We asked Manong Jimmy Vilanueva (he was in MVC before attending PUC) and Ate Fe [nee Madolora] to join us. They chose a good hour of worship speaker, who they gifted with a lime green barong afterwards. On hindsight, it would have been better if they gave it prior to the H of W service so that he could have worn it while delivering his sermon. His message was so touching. Filled with emotion, the speaker choked a few times through the sermon. I thought I would see both of you there and was kind of disappointed that neither of you were around. Oh well, maybe some other time.

I also got to see Dr. & Mrs. Demetrio Hechanova, Jr. (special awardees) and other mutual MVC/PUC alumni.

Say "Hi!" to Ate Vener from the CA Radas whenever you see her.

Have a Happy New Year!

Love, blessings and prayers
from Tita Rose
at AGAPITA's ABODE (Ps. 90:1 and 1 John 4:8 & 16)

From: Tita Rada
Sent: Tue, March 29, 2011 7:46:08 AM
Subject: [FANDiscussion] Missing My Mind

I tried to 'google' it to verify authorship. I came across several versions--another terse verse version; a book with part of it as a title (it should be interesting reading if I can find a copy); a quote credited to Alec Douglas Home; and two poetry versions on the same theme (varying in meter line).

from AGAPITA's ABODE (Ps. 90:1 and 1 John 4:8 & 16)

- - - - - - -

My False Teeth Fit Fine, But I Sure Miss My Mind: A Humorous Look at Aging
by Penbrooke Publishing StaffPublished August 1997

- - - - - - -

I can live with my bifocals,
and my dentures fit me fine;
Plus my hearing aid is working,
But...I sure do miss my mind!

Author Unknown

- - - - - - -

To my deafness I'm accustomed, 
To my dentures I'm resigned, 
I can manage my bifocals, 
But, oh, how I miss my mind.

Alec Douglas Home (1903-1995) British politician and sometime prime minister

- - - - - -

Mixed Up Me

Here's a line to say I am living,
and I am not yet among the dead.
But I am getting more forgetful,
and a little mixed up in my head.

As I stand at the foot of the stairs
Sometimes I just cannot remember
If I were going up for something
Or whether I've just come down from there.


I stand before the fridge so often,
and then my poor mind fills with some doubt.
Wond'ring if I had put food away 
or whether I've come to take some out.


Then there are times when it's dark outside
and my nightcap is over my head,
I don't know whether I'm retiring
or if I'd just gotten out of bed.


Is it my turn to write or call you?
I don't remember; please don't get sore!
I think I have already done so
but I just don't want to be a bore.


But nevertheless, I DO LOVE YOU
and I really wish that you were here.
I can see the post person coming;
I'll just sign off and say, "Bye, my dear."


Now I'm standing before the mailbox,
and imagine my face turning red!
Instead of mailing you this letter,
believe me, I've opened it instead!


I've gotten used to my arthritis,
To my dentures, I have now resigned.
I can manage with my bifocals,
but O Lord, I sure do miss my mind!

- - - - - -

Mixed Up Me

Just a line to say I'm living, 
That I'm not among the dead. 
Though I'm getting more forgetful 
And more mixed up in the head. 

For sometimes I can't remember, 
When I stand at foot of stairs, 
If I must go up for something, 
Or if I've come down from there. 

And before the fridge so often 
My poor mind is filled with doubt 
Have I just put food away?...or 
Have I come to take some out? 

And there's times when it's dark outside, 
With my night cap on my head, 
I don't know if I'm retiring 
Or just getting out of bed. 

So...if it's my turn to write you 
There's no need of getting sore, 
I may think that I have written 
And don't want to be a bore!! 

So, remember..I do love you 
And I wish that you were here, 
But it's nearly time to mail this; 
I must say good-bye my dear. 

There I stood beside the mail box 
With a face so very red 
I did not send off this letter, 
I just opened it instead! 

My bifocals fit, 
My dentures are fine 
My hearing aid works...
But...I miss my mind!!!


* * *
From: Nonoy Alsaybar 
Date: Sunday, January 10, 2010, 2:46 AM


Dear Tita and Henry,

I hope it isn't too late to greet you Happy New Year. Thank you for sharing your holiday visits with Dr. Roda and The Lees. We wish the patriarchal and venerable Doc Roda and his good family a happy new year too.

Dr. Irene Wakeham Lee was my major professor at PUC. While at Diliman I was always proud to mention that Dr. Wakeham, a Stanford PhD gave me quality advising and instruction in my undergraduate years. I can still see her in my mind driving her trusty 1967 Volkswagen beetle in the Baesa campus. It was a pleasant surprise to learn that she had married in her later years, validating my earlier contention that one should "never say, never," for love knows no conventional barriers (paging ate Vener). To ate Cora and my sparring partner Lito, may 2010 bring more joy with the coming of more grandkids.

I received a surprise Christmas present in the form of a phone message from Dr. Ruben Manalaysay. When I returned his call after Christmas day, he reminded me how years back I pointed to the preponderance of Filipino SDA medical doctors and the dearth of talented youths in other fields. And then he mentioned that his grandson (son of Alvin) had recently graduated from the University of Florida, Gainsville with a PhD in astrophysics. Could any other field be rarer and more demanding than this one, I wonder. And I thought about all the other talented professionals who could be contributing to the growth of the Fil Adventist culture: people who could be enriching the community discourse, but who remain disconnected and marginalized due to isolationist tendencies in the institution. Dr. Man is now pushing 95. He said he is not able to practice his violin as much anymore, but we enjoyed sharing memories of our violin teacher, the late Prof Ramon Mendoza of the UP Conservatory.

God bless all our older generation folks who have left their imprints on us the younger ones!

Nonoy