Greetings fellow townmates and welcome to the Annak Ti Santa Reunion website!
Joe A. Blanche, Ph.D.
Joe A. Blanche, Ph.D.
Principal Aerospace Engineer/Scientist, US Air Force - Retired
Dr. Joe A. Blanche, an aserospace engineer/scientist, hails from Rizal, Santa and currently resides in Corona Ranch, CA. He is the 4th of the six children of Emilio Peralta Blanche of Rizal and Concepcion Burgonio Advincula of Sacuyya Sur. Joe is married to Albine Lansangan, Director of Research and Development with Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc and the great granddaughter of the first governor of the province of Marinduque, the late Gov. Gomercindo Dela Santa. Joe and Albine are blessed with two enterprising kids, Emmanuel Joseph (graduated Magna Cum Laude, Notre Dame) and Earl Jordan (graduated Summa Cum Laude, Notre Dame).
Joe started his early education in aerospace before going to Banaoang Community School for his primary education. If an early childhood adventure is a good indicator of one's career, here is one.
"One morning, Joe and Vic (his older brother, a mechanical engineer from MIT) thought of experimenting a jump from the air without the benefit of an airplane and a parachute. They were inspired by a film with paratroopers jumping from an airplane that they have watched. They used their parents' bed from the second floor of their house as a launching pad. Imbued with the value of equality and fairness (their parents treated the children equally and fairly, no favoritism regardless of whether one was more handsome, smarter or well-behaved), they both jumped together rather than one after the other. They landed on the ground with difficulty breathing. Joe stood up first, looking around in case somebody saw them and might cause some embarrassment, and walked away limping. Fortunately or unfortunately, a neighbor saw them and called their mother. Their mother started scolding them rather than extending first aid. Both brothers walked away quietly and did not show up until later for dinner, a strategy they hoped would dissipate their mother's anger. Both ended up in aerospace engineering. Joe led the team that designed President Bush's (the first Bush) helicopter at the United Technologies Corporation, Sikorsky Aircraft Company, and Vic designed the actuators of the Boeing 757, 767, and 777. The moral lesson here is that: "Start early preparing for your career and be willing to take risks. Don't underestimate the value of an inspiration or a mentor. The greater the risk, the greater and loftier the reward." Caution; don't just take unnecessary life-threatening risks.
Joe went to Ilocos Sur National High School for his secondary education graduating at the top 5% of his class. He then proceeded to the University of the Philippines at Los Banos in an attempt to follow the footsteps of his oldest brother, Catalino (who was faculty member of the U.P. College of Forestry at that time), in pursuing forestry. Despite winning a Bureau of Forestry scholarhip (one of the top two scholarhips in the University) that paid for all student expenses (tuition, books, lodging and allowances), he changed course to Mathematics and Chemistry, perhaps because climbing trees (part of the laboratory course in Dendrology = study of trees) was not mentally challenging enough for him. He wasted no time after finishing his B.S. Mathematics and Chemistry at Adamson University. He migrated to the US to join his parents, brothers and sisters and started a back-breaking job of strawberry picking in Garden Grove and Bolsa, California. Joe was not to be denied of his dream to working in aerospace engineering and so he went to study avionics systems technology in the Communithy College of the Air Force at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama. After serving the United States Air Force full time for 4 years as Avionics Supervisor for the KC-135 Stratotanker, B-52 Stratobomber and KC-10 Air Refueling Tanker aircrafts (he remained on the US Air Force Reserve for another 17 years), he joined the McDonnell Douglas Company as Senior Scientist. At that time, he continued to educate himself on a part-time basis by taking post graduate studies in biomedical/electrical engineering as well as mass properties engineering. Under a McDonnell Douglas Company Educational Program Scholarhip, he obtained a Master in Arts in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix. Not content with his master's he proceeded to obtain his PhD in Business Management (a joint program between California State University and the University of the Pacific) under a Boeing Educational Program scholarship.
Currently, Joe serves as Principal Aerospace Engineer with Lockheed Martin Aeronautics in Fort Worth, Texas working on the Joint Strike Fighter F-35 Lightning II. Before this assignment, he was Chief of Mass Properties & Weights Engineering with SINO-SWEARINGEN AIRCRAFT CORPORATION in San Antonio, Texas, specializing in business jets.
His two most significant accomplishments were done when he was Principal Engineer with United Technologies Corporation, Sikorsky Aircraft Company where he led the team that designed the Presidential Helicopter (President Bush, and the Father), and when he was Senior Engineer/Scientist with Boeing Company where he played a significant role in the mass properties engineering of Titan II & IV, and Delta II, II, & IV Rockets. Joe's efforts on these two programs earned him the distinction of being in the Who's Who in America for leading the design of the US Presidential Helicopter and "The International Scientist of the Year Award" for outstanding effort and support of the Rocket Science Programs.
Joe is always pushing himself to the limits. Aside from his regular job as an aerospace engineer, he is President and Chief Executive Officer of J&A BLANCHE VENTURES, INC -a real estate and investments compnay based in Corona, California with Tax Preparations and Accounting Services. He said that he is more than willing, in fact, extremely delighted to help any kailian (Santanian) who has tax issues. You may be surprised to know that he is a Licensed Real Estate Broker, Licensed Life Insurance Agent, IRS Registered Tax Preparer and a commissioned Notary Public. You wonder where this guy is getting all his energies! One thing is sure, he is an extremely motivated individual. But despite all these activities, Joe always finds time for his family and God. He is a Eucharistic Minister at St. Edward's Church in Corona, California. His dream (plans) is to get back to the Philippines to serve and pay back society. In fact, he has already served as President of the Santanians, USA for 3 years after many years of hiatus and he desires to be more engaged in the future. He recognizes his immediate roots to the de Peraltas, Burgonios and Advinculas of Santa.
Post a Comment
Perla Saraos-Abramowitz, MD
Perla Saraos-Abramowitz, MD
Dr. Perla Saraos-Abramowitz was born in Basug, to Angel de Peralta Saraos and the late Gertrudis Bajet Biete Saraos. She is the oldest of 8 children; Estelita (deceased), Erico, Bernardita, RN, BSN (deceased), Antonio, DMD(deceased), Wilfred (lawyer), Corazon (Accountant), and Gisela (Management). She attended grades 1 &2 in Basug Elem. School, was salutatorian in both grades, then went to Rosary College, now St. Paul’s of Vigan where she completed her secondary education. As a child she was selected twice as the Angel to unveil the Blessed Mother as she met the resurrected Christ on Easter Sunday.
She attended the three oldest schools in the Philippines, Letran College for Pre-Med, Sta. Rosa College served as her dormitory and University of Sto. Tomas, where she completed her Medical degree. In Letran, she was in the Dean’s List and was active in Spanish declamation contests. Shortly after graduation, she passed the boards and the ECFMG and in less than a year came to the US as an exchange visitor for further medical training. She had her internship in Chicago, IL. While starting her family practice residency in Berwyn, IL, she was stricken with hyperthyroidism so she moved to Hawaii and stayed with her cousin Pacita Nartatez Barba while getting treatment. After 4 months of being jobless and her visa in jeopardy, she finally recovered and got back to training, this time in Internal Medicine at St. Francis Hospital in Honolulu. At that time exchange visitors were not allowed to stay after their training. In 1970, only Virginia and Missouri allowed non-immigrants and non-citizens to take the boards so she went to Missouri. After passing her boards, she went into private practice mainly in Internal Medicine. Some of the titles she garnered were: Director of the Placement Program of St. Louis State Hospital in St. Louis Missouri; Vice President of the Medical Staff of St. Louis’ Comprehensive Medical Center; Internal Medicine Consultant of St. Louis State hospital; Physician Supervisor of Florence Hill Health Clinic in Ferguson, Missouri. Through the recommendation of her uncle Msgr. Mariano de Peralta Saraos, she was awarded a Certificate of Distinction as Outstanding Daughter of Santa in April 1974.
She was an active member and secretary two times of the Phil. Medical Association of Greater St. Louis (PMAGSTL) auxiliary, chairperson of the membership committee of PMAGSTL secretary of PMAGSTL medical mission foundation until she retired. In the late 90’s she created the PMAGSTL directory. She is also an active member of the UST Medical Association of America and the Association of Philippine Physicians of America.
Before she retired she took voice lessons in CASA of Webster Groves University in Webster Groves, MO, and took private voice tutoring from the very first members of the Madrigal singers and from a former Russian opera singer. She was a soloist of PMAGSTL, belonged to 2 church choirs and 2 professional choirs. She used to sing solo in the Shrine of St. Joseph in St. Louis, MO. She was also a member of River Blenders (a Sweet Adeline chapter) which is rated as one of the top ten in the US if not the whole world. She used to belong to St. Luke’s church choir in St. Louis, MO. She was an officer of the Young Catholic Musicians of St. Louis, which had more than 100 members. They had an orchestra and choir with members consisting of volunteers from 86 parishes with only 3 Filipinos. They did professional recordings (LP, tapes, CD) and held 2 dinner concerts every year. The group sang for the late Pope John Paul II when he visited St. Louis.
Dr. Abramowitz headed the PMAGSTL and the Filipino Community of St. Louis in campaigning for John Ashcroft when he ran for Senate. He later on became the first Attorney General under Pres. George W. Bush.
She is married (for 29 years) to Michael Abramowitz a retired special education teacher with a masters in vocational rehabilitation. They’re both retired and for the past 5 years have been residing in Las Vegas NV where they founded the Ballroom Dance Club of Siena, their retirement community. They also helped form the Siena Players’ Club, a theatrical group. Three years ago she was cantor at the mass that started the USTMAAA’s reunion at the Belagio Hotel in Las Vegas. She is again coordinating her own class at the USTMAAA global reunion this month at the Wynn Hotel & Casino. She was the chairperson for a San Lorenzo Ruiz Fundraising for a Catholic church.
For hobbies, she used to go fishing. She also took quilting & hula dancing lessons and is an avid antique collector especially 3D stereoptic slides of the Philippines and the 1904 St. Louis’ World’s Fair. In fact her collections of Philippine artifacts, books, magazines & slides were used in exhibits by the Phil. Art Foundation of St. Louis MO. She was the soloist for this foundation at the St. Louis’ Jefferson Memorial Museum where she did a rendition of “Sa Kabukiran”. She loves to travel, has practically been all of Europe, 5 Asian countries aside from the Philippines and last year started with South America.
Dr. Abramowitz is very thankful that in her golden years she’s able to make a difference in the lives of the less fortunate elderly who live in nursing homes by entertaining them with her singing and hula dancing.
Dr. Antonio (Tonieng) Buendia
Dr. Antonio (Tonieng) Buendia
Dr. Antonio (Tonieng) Buendia is the only child of Mr. & Mrs. Marcelo Buendia (Espirita). He attended grade school at the Santa Central School where Mrs. Buendia was a school teacher. He finished his secondary education at the Mary Immaculate Minor Seminary in Vigan. He completed his B.S. Gen. at the University of Santo Tomas, as Magna Cum Laude and obtained his Doctor of Medicine from the same school.
His professional training include: Residency - General Diagnostic Radiology, Nassau County Medical Center & Northport VA Hospital; Residency- General Diagnostic Radiology, USPHS Hospital; Residency- General Surgery, Catholic Medical Center of Brooklyn & Queens; Associate- General Surgery, Catholic Medical Center of Brooklyn & Queens, Jamaica, NY.
Dr. Tonieng is certified with the American Board of Radiology and Diagnostic Radiology. He holds Medical Licenses in the states of Philadelphia, New York & Maryland. He is currently a member of the Medical Staff, Sunbury Community Hospital, Sunbury, Philadelphia and as consultant for the Medical Staff, Lock Haven Hospital; Jersey Shore Hospital; Bloomsburg Hospital & Muncy Hospital, all in PA. He was also a Private Consulting Radiologist for federal penitentiaries in the area.
Dr. Tonieng is a member of the following professional organizations: American College of Radiology; Radiological Society of North America; American Roentgen Ray Society. Member CFC in Staten Island, NY, GAWAD KALINGA active contributor, Board Member of Medical Alumni Asso. Of America Foundation. He participates in Medical Missions to the Philippines at least once a year, hopefully in Santa or Ilocos in the near future.
He is married to Mary Lou Javier, also a physician (Pediatrician). They have a son Anthony Marlon who graduated with honors from Swarthmore College and currently works in Wall Street. Their daughter Marie Antonette graduated from Haverford College and works with management at H &M stores. They have a grandson Aleco and the second grandchild is due in a few weeks.
Resurreccion Ochosa Repotente, MD
Resurreccion Ochosa Repotente, MD
Fondly known as "Rexit", she is the only daughter of Dr. Jose Ochosa and Mrs. Rosario Bello Ochosa. She is a Resident Physician in the Department of Geriatrics, Diana Klinik, Bad Bevensen, Germany. She graduated as valedictorian from the Santa Central School and Santa High School and earned her Doctor of Medicine from the University of the Philippines. She pursued postgraduate studies in: Residency, Family Medicine, UP-PGH Medical Center; Special Course in Electrocardiography, UP-PGH; Family Planning, UP-PGH; Residency, Neurology, Hamburgisches Krankenhaus Bevensen; Echoencephalography, CV Doppler Sonography; and Studies on Parkinson's Disease in Various Medical Centers in Europe.
Her past positions include the following: Research and Training Fellow in Biochemistry, Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation; Company Physician, RAMCAR, Inc.; Medical Coordinator for Region IV, Phil. Commission on Population; Asst. Chairman, Dept. of Neurology, Hambugisches Krankenhaus Bevensen; Instructor (Neurology and Psychiatry), School of Nursing, Hamburgisches, Krankenhaus Bevensen; Private Practioner, Family Medicine, Clinic Dr. Botcher, Suderburg; Visiting Coonsultant, Herz-Kreislauf-Klinik Bad Bevensen. She published a book on Secondary Amyloidosis and was Co-Author, The Helsingborg Declaration (Pan European Consensus on Stroke Management) She has received several awards which include a Plaque of Appreciation from the Association of Philippine Physicians, Maryland; Certificate of Appreciation from the Order of the Knightsof Rizal Europe Area Council; Plaque of Recognition, Healthcare & Medicine, SHS Alumni Reunion, Hawaii, 2005. Rexit is an active member of: UP Medical Alumni Society; UP Medical Alumni Society in America; Phi Lambda Delta Sorority, University of the Phil; UP Chemical Society; Runder Tisch, Hambergen; President since 2001, Kababaihang Rizalista, Inc. Hamburg Chapter. She was nominated to the Year 2002 Presidential Awards for Filipino individuals and organizations overseas and endorsed by the Philippine Consulate in Germany, a recognition award of international magnitude.
She is married to Antonio Repotente, MD. Their three children are Rico Jose Leopoldo, a graduate of the Conservatory of Music; Renee, a graduate from the University of Oldersburg; and Rhonda graduated last year from the School of Arts, Berlin with a degree in Photo Design. They were recently blessed with their first grandchild. They reside in Himbergen, Germany.
Rev. Thelma Bragado Burgonio-Watson
