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.
 

Reunited with ANN CUSACK and TUAN PHAN

Ann Cusack and I have known each other and have been very good friends since 1983.  She and I used to work in V.R.C. Palawan, Philippines teaching the Vietnamese refugees English and helping them adapt to their countries of destination.

 We lost contact many years ago and were reunited in December 2011 in Orange County, California after 18 long years.

 She now goes by the name Ann Phuong Nguyen for obvious reason (She's married to a Vietnamese gentleman.). Also in the picture is her lovely and personable daughter Monica.

 She also has a son named Tommy.

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REUNITED WITH PHAN ANH TUAN (Anthony)

Tuan Phan is my all time best friend.  He and I never really lost contact but hadn't seen each other for 19 years.  He lives in Seattle, Washington and has been exceedingly busy with work and school.

He was visiting his sister and parents in Sacramento, California and decided to fly to Orange County on January 5, 2012 to spend time with me and my family for 8 hours before I left for my other destination.  It was a great and memorable reunion.  Tuan and I have known each other for 31 years.  He was the best man at my wedding in 1993.  My family and in-laws know and consider him as a family member.

Here's my best friend Tuan with my family (Van, Stephen, and Sarah) at home in Orange County, California.

Tuan was my assistant teacher/enterpreter during our stint with the United Nations (UNHCR) in Palawan, Philippines.  He is a medical doctor by profession in the United States.

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It was Definitely a Blessing Having Had YOU in My Class, Minh Chuong!

These pictures were taken at Miles High Park in Orange County, California during our class reunion on December 26, 2007.

PFAC Palawan

June 19, 1992

Dear Sir!

"No guide. How can you succeed?" This is what I translate from a Vietnamese proverb that I learned when I was younger. It's right, Sir! If I hadn't had you, Teacher Benny, and Teacher Babes, and all the teachers in HTC-PFAC School, what would I be like now? I know I'm not the first one who benefited from your class, but what I gained helped me shine in my own azure sky. I couldn't ask for more. I'm satisfied by it; it is an extra dream of mine.

Before I thought I was living in vain. "Every single night and day is passing by. Where is the place that I am". I thought I couldn't point it out. In my lifetime the light was less than the dark. I was frustrated. Fortunately I have met you. You're like the torch to enlight and the key to unlock my way.

I thank God he gave me a chance to come to HTC School and especially to your class. Whatever I got from you I will keep it in my heart; I will treasure and protect it; I will cherish it. One day I was your student. I'm still and will be forever. Finally, I wish you success in whatever you do. Wherever you go I will pray for you. Have a good luck and a happy trip back home.

Your student,

Minh Chuong

My Former Student Huong Thao's Heartfelt Letter (May 31, 1992)

One day Huong Thao and I will meet again.

Tuan, Huong Thao, My Ly and Kiera (San Diego, CA 2008)

PFAC Palawan
May 31, 1992

Dear Sir,

The time has gone so rapidly. Just more than two years studying in your class and you're now leaving your students, leaving behind your back those golden times that you had spent with us in order to reunite with your beloved betterhalf. It's too painful when we're far away from one another but we're just human beings who deserve to enjoy the best in life. I know you are now anxious about everything for the future, how to live for the better tomorrow, and how to manage your new family. You have to start out a new life totally. But I guess, with your competence, you'll be able to overcome all the challenges that come your way.

I wish you all success and happiness in your new life. You are a very good teacher. Everything that you have imparted to us is really meaningful especially to me. Having been with you for two years, I have had lots of wonderful and unforgettable experiences that I'll definitely never forget and that I will carry with me wherever I go. With your gracious support, guidance, and love, you have completely built me up to what I have become today.

I'd like to say thank you from the buttom of my heart. "Our deepest gratitude, our tearful and heartfelt farewell..."

On behalf of the Grade 12 students, THANK YOU! I will pray for your future family. I hope all your dreams become a reality.

Your student,
Huong Thao

P.S. I hope we can meet again someday in the future. So we shouldn't say "Good bye" now, 'coz goodbye is forever- we never meet each other again.

Huong Thao and I are yet to be reunited.  She lives in Houston, Texas and is married.

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My Student Phuong Thao's Splendid Letter (May 31, 1992)

HTC-PFAC School
May 31, 1992

Dear Sir,

Sometimes I really feel so sad when I have to see off someone though I know, "All good things must come to an end". It's been three years since I came to your class, a class that has become my second home. To me you're like my father or older brother. God has brought you into the lives of the refugees. God has brought you to us... to me. It's all God's plan. I thank God for giving me the chance to meet you and know you. I think there are no words strong enough to express my feelings now. Deep inside my heart, I feel that something special is about to disappear. I will forever remember everything that you've done for the class. "Come on, try it." Those are the words that you always say to encourage me to speak when deep inside I am nervous.

Binh and Phuong Thao were both my students in PFAC.

Three years in your class were too short for me to learn enough from you. I wish I could stay in your class much longer but you're leaving. There's no telling what will happen in the future. I don't know what will I become in the future but hopefully, some of your inspiring psychology lessons will help me. I don't think you will ever forget us. In my case, I will always remember you. You're the first teacher that I've become so close.

With my prayers, I sincerely hope that you find happiness in the future.

Your student,

Phuong Thao
Phuong Thao is the one in black. She and my other former students visited me in Orange County in December 2007. Also in the picture are Vu, Vinh Hao, Van, and me. Thao's husband - Binh took this picture.


March 1, 2009

Dear Thao,

You see? I've never forgotten you. I'm so glad that you and Binh, who are both very special to me and whom I consider a family ended up together and became better halves. Congratulations on the birth of your handsome baby boy Aiden, (like father, like son) simply adorable. I'll see you this Christmas.

As ever,

Andy

A Beautiful Letter from Dang Hong Le Phuong (May 31, 1992, PFAC Palawan)

Le Phuong and her former teacher Andrew were reunited on December 26, 2007 with 11 other former students at PFAC Palawan. The letter below was written by Le Phuong before Andrew left the camp in 1992. The two photographs below were taken at Miles High Park in Orange County, California on that day.
HTC-PFAC School
May 31, 1992

Dear Teacher Andy,

The time lost is never found. It seems that it is not how much we have but how much we enjoy that makes happiness.

Studying and learning English with you, Teacher Andrew, for a long period of time has been a great and fruitful experience. You have taught me not only the language necessary to survive in the third country but more importantly, you have given me confidence, taught me perseverance, humility, leadership, and the true value of friendship through the many vivid examples that you've shown us in and out of the classroom day after day. These I can use as a tool when I resettle in the third country.

So you're leaving PFAC and your students? I have nothing to offer you but my prayers and best wishes for a better life in your destination. May God bless you always, Teacher.

Dang Hong Le Phuong
Group 83, Subic Bay

Le Phuong, Andrew, and Minh Phuong at Miles High Park in Orange County, California (December 26, 2007).

Reunited after Nineteen Long Years

Hai and I were reunited after 19 long years.

Hai and Andy reunited after nineteen long years.

Hai was one of my students in P.F.A.C. Palawan. He immigrated to California in 1990. We lost contact.

Andy, Hai, his wife Hanh and daughter Isabel

Then in June 2008, I called Vinh Hao in California and we chatted for over an hour. During our long conversation, I casually I asked him if he knew where Hai was. (I knew they were best friends in the camp). To my amazement he said, "Oh Hai is in Canada. He moved to Canada many years ago." Surprised and exceedingly excited, I asked, "Where in Canada?" Hao identified the city (the same city where I live) but unfortunately, he didn't have Hai's phone number.

Andy, Hai, and Stephen

I then immediately searched Hai on the White Pages. There was no exact match but three people in Ontario had his last name. I phoned the one that was closest to where I live. A senior answered the phone and courteously said, "Hai has moved out. He doesn't live here anymore." I inquired, "Do you have his new phone number?" The senior, who luckily is Hai's father, gave me his new phone number after I spoke with him in Vietnamese and explained that I was Hai's teacher at the refugee camp. I called Hai's number immediately but no one answered the phone. After a couple of hours, I called his number one more time and I finally got hold of him. It was an emotional telephone conversation, to make the story short.

Andy, Hai, Stephen, and Van

After nineteen long years, I was talking to Hai again. Six months had passed after that conversation. And tonight, February 15, Hai and his family visited us.

Andy, Sarah, Hanh, Isabel, Hai, Stephen, and Van

O

Wow! Nineteen years later and here we are. Reunited. Amazing indeed.

OOO