MEMORABLE HTC-PFAC PALAWAN REUNION 2024

Sharing some pictures taken during our HTC-PFAC Palawan Teachers' Reunion on January 2, 2024 in Puerto Princesa.

From left: 

Teachers Marivic, Tess, Andrew, Mona, Gemma, Tina, Florence, Sammy, and Violly.
 

Looking for Old PFAC Friends

MY LONG LOST FRIENDS

Please help Teacher Sammy reconnect with his Vietnamese friends in the pictures if you know these people. They were PA Numbers holders and left the VRC or PFAC in the mid to late 80s. They were Sammy's assistant teachers/interpreters.

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THE SECOND HOME WE CHERISH

THE SECOND HOME WE CHERISH

There's no such thing as perfection; however, PFAC Palawan is known to be the BEST refugee camp ever existed in the world. Our sincerest congratulations to the Republic of the Philippines and its people, to the Western Command and to the UNHCR and all the dedicated INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEERS. PFAC Palawan will forever linger in the hearts of the Vietnamese refugees. Long live PFAC Palawan, our second home.

We will forever cherish our English Teachers, the nuns, the priests and pastors and the monks who gave up their precious times in order to facilitate our integration into the Western society before we even resettled.  We will always be grateful to Wescom and UNHCR for making sure we are safe and secure in our second home.  We will always be thankful to the Philippines and her people for making us feel welcome and loved.  We are eternally grateful to the dentists, doctors, nurses, midwives, social workers and our own Vietnamese teachers.  PFAC Palawan is indeed the best refugee camp in the world ever.

UNHCR Field Officer Robert (Bob) Gruelsema viewing the aerial view of the VRC Palawan

PFAC (VRC) Roman Catholic Church while it was being renovated in 1981 or 82.

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WHEN I NEED YOU I JUST CLOSE MY EYES

MEMORIES OF PFAC-PALAWAN 1990

 

WHEN I NEED YOU

This video was recorded by my Vietnamese friend and interpreter Nguyen Thanh Nhan (who now resides in Orange County,California) in PFAC Palawan in February 1990.  This song will definitely remind my former Vietnamese students of their time in my class in PFAC. It was 24 years ago and I'm proud to share this video with you all.

STOP, LOOK AND LISTEN TO YOUR HEART

This video was recorded by my friend and Vietnamese interpreter- Nguyen Thanh Nhan in February 1990 in HTC-PFAC Palawan.  Very memorable video indeed.  Gemma De La Cruz (now Gemma Ledesma) is one of the teachers that served the Vietnamese refugees during those beautiful and unforgettable times.

SOFTLY AS I LEAVE YOU

I encouraged Boy (AKA Benny Ong) to participate in a video tribute to the Vietnamese people. You did a splendid job here singing "Softly as I leave you. " I'm really so proud that I can share this memorable video to everyone after 24 long years.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

THE DAY ANDREW LEFT PFAC PALAWAN

                                       BON VOYAGE ANDY!

Your invaluable services to the Vietnamese Refugees is highly appreciated.

June 20, 1992

Our dearest Andy,

Our simple but profound way of saying thank you for the compassion and the dedication you've shown towards your students and also to those who have come to you for advice.  As a teacher, you're "one in a million".  Above all we'll remember you not only as our co-teacher but as a brother working in the vineyard of our Lord for the benefit of our Vietnamese brethren.  We wish you all the best.  God speed and good luck.

HTC-PFAC Teachers and Staff

Dearest Andy,

Salamat.  I can't say anything except thank you for all the things you've shared.  This space is not enough if I will enumerate everything.  You're always the "BEST".

With prayers,
Marivic

Dear Andrew,

Remember that we love you in all your ways.  I shall always bear in mind and heart your total dedication and exemplary services you have always given the HTC-PFAC School for Children that gained so much fame, respect and love for all who have worked with and for it - in the accomplishment of its mission to our beloved brothers - the Vietnamese people.  God will surely bless you and shower you with His loving mercy, so does a sister who will always pray for you.

In Christ
Sister Tomasa, O.P.

Dearest Andrew,

Your most awaited time has come.  I wish you all the happiness, good health, success and prosperity inn all your future endeavors.  Keep PMA always.  Be gracious as you work through your goals.  Keep your love for Van growing.  I will miss you around here.  God bless you and Van always.

Love,
Babes

Dearest Andy,

Wherever you go you're always be remembered.  Stay friendly, sweet and charming always.  Take care.

Love,
Mayette Rodis

Andy,

Wherever you'll go you'll be thought of as one of my real friends.  God bless you and Van.
Missing you lots!


Ate Mona

Dear Andy,

Thanks a lot for your unselfish support and love.  May God bless you always "Big Brother".

Love,
Marissa

Dear Kuya Andy,

God bless you and I love you so much!

Emma

Dear Andy,

I wish you the best of luck.  God bless you and Van.  I'll miss you.

Virgie

Andy,

No words can ever express my sadness of your departure.  I will surely miss you.  Rest assured that our prayers will always be with you and Van.

Lots of love,
Boy

Dearest Andy,

I thank the Lord for having you as a friend.  You've done so much for me.  I will certainly miss you.  You're such a real friend and compadre.  Rest assured of my prayers


Love,
Bessie

Andy,

In a short time that I've worked with you, I have learned to treat you like I do my children. 
I admire your innovative spirit and candid approach to things.  May the Lord bless you and Van.

Ate Linda

Dear Andrew,

Peace!  Pray continually.  Be joyful always.  Give thanks in every circumstances for this is the will of God to you in Jesus Christ.  Always remember, God oppresses the proud but gives grace to the humble.  Take care of Van.  take care of yourself.  God bless you.

Love,
Violet

 

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ANDREW SINGS SOME POPULAR SONGS THAT P.F.A.C. PALAWAN REMEMBERS

PFAC PALAWAN February 1990

 

Andrew sings "HELLO".

HELLO

I've been alone with you Inside my mind
And in my dreams I've kissed your lips a thousand times
I sometimes see you pass outside my door
Hello! Is it me you're looking for?
I can see it in your eyes; I can see it in your smile
You're all I've ever wanted and my arms are open wide
'cause you know just what to say; and you know just what to do
And I want to tell you so much, "I love you"

I long to see the sunlight in your hair
And tell you time and time again how much I care
Sometimes I feel my heart will overflow
Hello! I've just got to let you know
'cause I wonder where you are and I wonder what you do
Are you somewhere feeling lonely? Or is someone loving you?
Tell me how to win your heart; for I haven't got a clue
But let me start by saying I love you

Hello! Is it me you're looking for?
'cause I wonder where you are. and I wonder what you do
Are you somewhere feeling lonely? Or is someone loving you?
Tell me how to win your heart; for I haven't got a clue
But let me start by saying I love you.

 

Andrew sings "Right Here Waiting".

 RIGHT HERE WAITING FOR YOU

Ocean's apart day after day
And I slowly go insane
I hear your voice on the line
But it doesn't stop the pain

If I see you next to never
How can we say forever

Wherever you go; Whatever you do
I will be right here waiting for you
Whatever it takes or how my heart breaks
I will be right here waiting for you

I took for granted, all the times
That I thought would last somehow
I hear the laughter, I taste the tears
But I can't get near you now

Oh, can't you see it baby
You've got me going crazy

I wonder how we can survive this romance
But in the end if I'm with you, I'll take the chance

 

 Andrew sings "Annie's Song".

ANNIE'S SONG

You fill up my senses like a night in the forest,
like the mountains in springtime, like a walk in the rain,
like a storm in the desert, like a sleepy blue ocean.
You fill up my senses, come fill me again.

Come let me love you, let me give my life to you,
let me drown in your laughter, let me die in your arms,
let me lay down beside you, let me always be with you.
Come let me love you, come love me again.

You fill up my senses like a night in the forest,
like the mountains in springtime, like a walk in the rain,
like a storm in the desert, like a sleepy blue ocean.
You fill up my senses, come fill me again.

Andrew sings "La Bamba".

Para bailar La Bamba
Para bailar La Bamba
Se necessita una poca de gracia
Una poca de gracia
Para mi, para ti, ay arriba, ay arriba
Ay, arriba arriba
Por ti sere, por ti sere, por ti sere

Yo no soy marinero
Yo no soy marinero, soy capitan
Soy capitan, soy capitan
Bamba, bamba, Bamba, bamba
Bamba, bamba, bamba

Para bailar La Bamba
Para bailar La Bamba
Se necessita una poca de gracia
Una poca de gracia
Para mi, para ti, ay arriba, ay arriba

 Para bailar La Bamba
Para bailar La Bamba
Se necessita una poca de gracia
Una poca de gracia
Para mi, para ti, ay arriba, ay arriba
Ay, arriba arriba
Por ti sere, por ti sere, por ti sere

Bamba, bamba, Bamba, bamba
 Bamba, bamba.

 

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PFAC PALAWAN REUNION 2013

Andrew Taylor's PFAC Palawan Reunion

Greetings to the Participants

August 17 to August 22, 2013

(Transcribed by Stephen Taylor on September 8, 2013)

KEEP THE FIRE BURNING!

A big hello and hug to our Vietnamese brothers and sisters who have made it to the reunion.  I love you all and miss you.  I really wish I could come.  It's been ages since I last saw all of you but you're always in my thoughts and in my heart.  I'm glad we are all connected on Facebook and I'm sincerely grateful to the organizers of this reunion, PFAC Palawan 2013.  WE SHOULD KEEP THE FIRE BURNING!

My work in PFAC has so far been the greatest accomplishment that I've ever had in my life. It helped shape the person that I am today... strong, confident, positive, generous and kind.

For me, my service in PFAC Palawan was not a job.  It was a joy and privilege to serve the Vietnamese people and I will do it again in a heartbeat.

I came to the camp as a young teacher and I also became a brother, a father, an uncle, a friend, a family member, a councilor... and more importantly, as an inspiration to the people that I served.

I will always be a teacher, but not just a teacher.  I'm also a singer, an actor, a stage director, a poet, and a dancer.  I use the classroom as a venue or a stage to educate, inspire, and entertain other people... and my students are my satisfied audience.

I believe in putting other people first.  I wake up every morning with a smile on my face knowing that I am privileged to have the opportunity to make a lasting impression on other people's lives.

As a teacher, I never hesitate to regularly inject humor into my teaching. I always affirm and validate my students and treat them with respect and compassion.  When the students make mistakes I offer them suggestions not criticism.  Everyday, I show them that I trust them, that I believe in their potentials. 

To the teachers!  Please do what makes you happy outside of your work hours.  If you're happy outside of the classroom you will bring that energy back on the job.

To the Vietnamese (former) refugees, especially those from PFAC Palawan!   Let's be reminded of our humble beginning, our simple but strong foundation and how it has helped us shape who we are today.  PFAC Palawan, we will never ever forget you.

Enjoy the reunion everybody!  God bless you all... and God bless PFAC Palawan.  As I said, "Keep the fire burning!" 

Hugs and kisses from Van, Stephen, and Sarah.  Bye!

Recorded in Toronto, Canada on August 15, 2013

 

Images courtesy of Gemma Ledesma (HTC-PFAC PalawanTeacher)