by Robert Roliz

            The one thing that binds us all together is Family. The feeling of family spirit or unity was apparently spread all around the green grass fields at Beresford Park in San Mateo on July 12, 2008, when an unprecedented 175 Lusitano members and guests showed up with their children and loved ones for some fun and games in the sun.

            It was truly the most spectacular and memorable moment I have ever seen in any past club event. It was just a “Bundle of Joy” to see everyone having a good time while spreading the love around the mahjong tables, softball field, and games that remind us of our old HK Club Recreio events (i.e. sack race, 3-legged race, water balloon toss), with Melissa & Leonardo Xavier playing host to the cheerful fans of kids and adults alike, while Jojo Xavier and Hunter Choi carefully maneuvered their way around the big crowd to capture some of these playful moments.

            This large and wonderful event would not have been made possible if it wasn’t for the fuel support of BBQ chefs, Hunter Choi, Ozzie Ozorio, Leonardo Xavier, Kaua Young, Nuno Da Cruz, and Eduardo Collaco, for satisfying the many hungry bellies, with the regular picnic entrees: Hamburgers, Hot dogs, Hot Links, and Potato Salad; and the specialty food: Korean Ribs, Chicken, Korean Noodles, Summer Green Salad with mandarin oranges & nuts – prepared by Dorothy Oliveira (the Club’s main chef and Gastronomia Rep.), assisted by Maria Joao Da Cruz. 

            Special thanks goes to Michael Carion, Kirk Harper, Maria Roliz, and Hunter Choi for setting up the chairs, tables, and other needed supplies to get the ball rolling; and Virginia Yoshida for simply just assisting in whatever matters when called upon.  And that includes some of the other unnamed volunteers who helped clean up and close this special party to a sweet end.

            The sweetest moment for me was when the club provided a birthday cake to celebrate the July babies, as part of the family spirit. July babies included myself, Barbara Vas, Orlanda DaCosta, Shirley Johanssen, Brenda Oliveira, Jaclyn Aquino, Nicholas Maher, Juliana Pereira, and especially Amelia Maherwho turned 88 for many more to come.

            This annual picnic not only brought many different families together to bond as one while providing them with some moral and emotional support; it gave me a great sense of pride when I realized 50 or so attendees are my relatives from the “Pereira de Campos” family tree from some 250 years ago at this very event.

            My sense of pride grew even more when I met a new member, Carl Bunje, who joined at the ripe age of 86 to just explore his Macanese heritage and it was a real surprise to find out that we share the same “Pereira de Campos” roots from 2 1/2 centuries ago.  I think he was speechless when my curiosity helped find his other relatives: Alvarenga (António de Alvarenga Coutinho), Aquino (Joaquim Francisco de Aquino), Liger (João Corea de Liger), Placé (Lourenço de Sousa Placé), Rosa (Vicente Rosa), Silva (Domingos da Silva), Vieira Ribeiro (Inácio Vieira) from Henry d'Assumpcao’s website.

            All this left me with an overwhelming feeling which made me even more appreciative of my Macanese identity and heritage.  Having this window of opportunity to explore and embrace my ancestor’s past was a great way to search for my roots, making me who I am today, “A Proud Macanese”. You may be just as surprised to find there are other wonderful people like Carl Bunje here at this picnic related to you and perhaps me too?

            It’s all about LOVE, DIGNITY & RESPECT!!!