MARIA CHRISTINE GABUYA BROWN By Jogi Abellanosa

MARIA CHRISTINE GABUYA BROWN

By Jogi  Abellanosa

Philippine OIC , F A M Foundation, Inc.

Ma. Christine Sacay Gabuya – a typical school mate, playmate, and the girl next door.  Not the stereotype though kay she has been reared up with  the most conservative of values, thanks and to the courtesy of her Mama Milag, aka Milagros Sacay-Gabuya of Ormoc, Leyte.  Contrary to what she is seen about being a so privileged and outgoing, well to tell you she was not.  Nang Milag is the epitome of a Filipina Mama with all the matching Don’ts and Don’ts nga gitusuk gyud sa alimpatakan sa iyang beauteous Christine.  Plus the fact that Christine has Noy Ali – Alfeo Ralph Gabuya – of a father, kaila bya tang Noy Ali, nga sayon ra kayo ang pag-ingon sa mga kauban namo “pamusilon taron mo” kun madugay ug uli si Christine, Nah – ka imagine lang gyud ko unsa ka “strict ang parents ko” syndrome ailment Christine has during her teen years.  But in spite of these “kahigpit” Christine has her share of fame before, di jud na siya ma absent sa mga muse-muse ug mga beauty contest – from our homegrown Ms Pardo, and up to being crowned as Ms. Ormoc.

Life of Christine is endless abundance of blessings! Endowed with everything a young girl hopes to have plus a close knit family – The Gabuya’s are one of the prominent, old rich-tale nga mga Pardohanon-Christine couldn’t ask for more.  Fate struck its pot when she went abroad  to find the greener pastures and true to her cause she hit Gold there.  She is married to Mr. Cory Scott Brown of Napa Valley California, an Accountant by profession, and with the marriage they have two offspring Scott Thomas 14 and Sarah Milann 12.  Christine pursue her career and became an entrepreneur and established in her acumen- Brown’s Family Daycare, Inc. and Melrose Health Care Services, Inc., these 2 establishments made Christine realize that there’s more to life than making money and holding positions like Presidents of this organization and that association in their posh Napa County-then she founded Filipino-American Magtinabangay Foundation, Inc. – this is her avenue in paying back what God has given her abundantly for the past years.  Christine’s recounts that she had this void, and unquenched pang and simply not being fulfilled feelings.  Now that she has this new “baby” – she simply quips in American twang “Now, I’m happy”.

She is a different “Christine” now, dili lang ako but the rest of the gang can attest to that- Mora’g lahi ra jud ang Christine karon ug and Christine nga ni uli, what 5 or 6 years ago.  Aside from ni loose siya to a voluptuous size 8 now, ang iyang smile as in, dili na jud ma contain.  But for me, the Christine I know when we were together in  many apostolate in the parish by the way, we were the pioneers in the Catholic Charismatic Youth Ministry Service, and active Summer Catechists in the parish – She is the same Christine giving all her love and passion for the Glory and return more abundantly what Her Creator has bestowed upon her.

To Ma. Christine Gabuya- Brown- KODUS!

About the FAMFI Founder: Maria Christine Sacay Gabuya-Brown By: Janet Oliver

About the Founder: Maria Christine Sacay Gabuya-Brown

By: Janet Oliver

Maria Christine Sacay Gabuya-Brown is definitely blessed. This is obvious because something special radiates from her. She is still humble though, and is always thinking of what she can do for others.

Christine grew up in the Philippines and began her apostolic works when she was 10 years old at Sto. Tomas de Villa Nueva Parish of Pardo, Cebu City. She was active in the Summer Catechist program, teaching bible study to younger children. At 12 years old, she pledged to be pure and devoted herself to the Blessed Virgin Mary of Lourdes. At 13 years old, she was one of an elite group who pioneered the Catholic Youth Ministry Service, which is still active today.

In 1987, Christine moved to the United States, where she met Cory Scott Brown, of Sonoma, California.  They were married two years later, and in 1993, Christine and Cory were blessed with a son, Scott Thomas. A year later, daughter Sarah Milann was born. When Sarah was in Kindergarten, Christine started Brown’s Family Daycare in her home. Then in 2004, she incorporated the business to include a pre-school. The daycare really does involve the whole family. In addition to Christine and Cory, both of their parents and Cory’s brother are all involved in the day-to-day activities.

Both Scott and Sarah have attended St. John’s Catholic School since Kindergarten. Scott is an altar server and Sarah is in the choir of their church. Scott and Sarah are also very active in extra-curricular activities. The whole family is active in community services. During the holidays, they adopt families where they provide meals, presents and money for each family on Christmas Day. At Thanksgiving, they donate turkeys, canned goods, warm clothes and toys to the Salvation Army, and help serve dinner to the homeless. The Brown family allows other children to play sports by sponsoring  their membership fees and uniforms They also sponsor a Napa Little League baseball team and Napa Saints Football & Cheerleading Team.

The endeavor of launching The Filipino-American Magtinabangay (Helping Each Other) Foundation,  has given Chrisitne new creative energy. Christine knows how important it is for a child to start life healthy. The way a child develops physically, mentally and socially determines the rest of that child’s life.

“Although I’ve been living in the United States for over 20 years, I grew up in Cebu City, in the Philippines. I still have many friends and family in Cebu that I stay in contact with.  I am very aware of the ongoing poverty and hardships the children there have to endure.

My goal is to take a proactive stance in making people aware of the tremendous need to improve the lives of these unfortunate Filipino children. I need to enlist the support of others in the United States.  The children are our future. By improving their lives, we improve the whole world.

It is very easy to ignore things we don’t actually see. We get wrapped up in our busy lives and focus only on our immediate family and surroundings. Thinking on a more global level, we are all God’s children, and it is our responsibility to help each other.”

Christine considers herself very fortunate to have a group of  Personal Spiritual Advisors and Consultants.

Rt. Rev. Msgr. Roberto F. Alesna, P.A., E.V.

• Chairman of the Commission on Service of the Archdiocese of Cebu

• Parish Priest of the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, Cebu City

Rev. Fr. Bonaventure Maria Valles, FI

• Superior Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate-Brazilian Mission, Brazil

• Parish Priest of St. John  the Baptist in the Diocese of Annapolis, Goias Brazil

Rev. Fr. Trinidad Silva Jr., VF

• Chairman of the Commission on Social Communications of the Archdiocese of Cebu

• Parish Priest of San Nicolas Parish, Cebu City

Rev. Msgr. Pastor Espinosa Cotiangco

• Resident Priest of  the Mother of the Redeemer Parish, Cogon, Ormoc City

Sr. Nieves P. Robillos, SFCC

• Founder and President of Golden Heart Foundation, Inc., San Carlos Heights, Brgy. Quiot, Cebu City

A Touch of Giftedness By Erlina Tribunal

A Touch of Giftedness

By Erlina Tribunal

The world is blessed with a visionary and a missionary in the person of  Mrs. Maria Christine Sacay Gabuya Brown.

Inspired by her commitment to serve her fellowmen, she showed a pro-active stance by being the founder and executive director of Filipino-American Magtinabangay Foundation, Inc. Such brain child is a non-profit public benefit corporation whose main purpose is to bring help, healing and hope to Philippine’s neglected children and families.

It was a blissful day for her parents when she was born on December 26, 1966.  Her proud parents Mr. Alfeo Ralph Gabuya and Mrs. Milagros Sacay Gabuya reared Christine well.  Though the Gabuyas are one of the prominent old rich tale Pardohanons, Christine was of low-profile.  She grew up in the Philippines, attended Colegio de San Jose-Recoletos from first grade to second year high school, graduated high school from the Holy Rosary School in Pardo, Cebu City.  She studied BS in Commerce major in Computer Science for three years in the University of San Jose-Recoletos.  In the US, she attended the National Business Academy in Van Nuys, CA and graduated with honors in Business Management and Computerized Accounting.  In Napa, she attended Napa Valley College and got an AS Degree in Business major in Accounting.  She was one of the pioneers in the Catholic Charismatic Youth Ministry Service and an active summer catechist.  She has had devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary of Lourdes and Infant Child, Sto. Niño.  She had her share of fame in beauty contests from our home grown Ms. Pardo and up to being crowned Ms. Ormoc.

As a product of a good family, she has a strong foundation of spirituality.  She is motivated to give something back to society because she is fortunate being surrounded by people she loves and by people who love her.

She is happily married to Cory Scott Brown who is an accountant.  They have wonderful children namely: the 14-year old Scott Thomas who is in 8th grade and the 12-year old Sarah Milann who is 7th grade.  Both study in St. John’s Catholic School.  A great mom, she has stayed home with her two children for seven years.  And she had no regrets because she spent quality time with them when they were young.  Undoubtedly, they have grown up full of love and happiness.

An optimist who sees every moment an opportunity, she started Brown’s Family Daycare in her home.  Then in 2004, she incorporated the business to include pre-school.  In addition to her daycare, she started Melrose Home Health Care Services, Inc.  (Melrose from Milagros which is her mother’s name).  The businesses involve the whole family who participates in day-to-day activities.  To improve herself more, she attends extra credit classes and meetings and joins workshops.

A woman of versatility, Christine has varied hobbies like photography, baking and cake decorations, cross-stitching, gardening, collecting Precious Moments, Dreamcicles, Partylite candles and accessories and many more.

As a sports enthusiast, she sponsored, supported and cheered sports league.  As a socio-leader, she became the former President of Filipino-American Association of Napa Valley from 2002-2004.

She leads a fruitful Christian life not only by church services but also by charity works.  These charity works include adopting families for Christmas, serving the homeless and being active in fund raising activities.

Knowing all of these, we can say that the life of Christine is a joy-filled life because she has made a lot of people happy through the gift of her person.  May she be the passion that inspires us to reach out for the glory of God.

People come into your life for a REASON, a SEASON, or a LIFETIME.

People come into your life for a REASON,

a SEASON, or a LIFETIME.

When you figure out which it is, you

know exactly what to do.

When someone is in your life for a

REASON, it is usually to meet

a need you have expressed outwardly or

inwardly. They have come to

assist you through a difficulty, to

provide you with guidance and

support, to aid you physically,

emotionally, or spiritually.

They may seem like a godsend, and they are.

They are there for the reason

you need them to be. Then, without any

wrong doing on your part or at

an inconvenient time, this person will

say or do something to bring

the relationship to an end. Sometimes

they die. Sometimes they walk away.

Sometimes they act up or out and force

you to take a stand. What

we must realize is that our need has

been met, our desire fulfilled;

their work is done. The prayer you sent

up has been answered and

it is now time to move on.

When people come into your life for a

SEASON, it is because your

turn has come to share, grow, or learn.

They may bring you an

experience of peace or make you laugh.

They may teach you something you have

never done. They usually give you an

unbelievable amount of joy.

Believe it!

It is real! But, only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you

lifetime lessons; those things

you must build upon in order to have a

solid emotional foundation.

Your job is to accept the lesson, love the

person/people (anyway); and put what

you have learned to use in all other

relationships and areas of your life.

It is said that love is blind but

friendship is clairvoyant.

In My Mother's Garden - By Sarah Brown

In My Mother's Garden -  Happy Mother's Day Mom! :D

By Sarah Brown

A garden needs care, love, joy, and happiness, exactly what a mother gives to her child.  In a mother's garden she has vines that represent my growth. She has a watering can to help me stay alive and help me grow strong.  Her many flowers are her friends and family, her helpful tools get rid of all the negative things around me.

In my mother's garden the vines are me growing and becoming an older girl. The vines are also her reaching her arms out to help me when I'm in trouble or when I just need a hug. Her vines are also always there like how she's there when I need her.

Her watering can is her helping me survive with everything going on. The watering can is her way of helping me in every way with me growing strong and happy. The water from the can is her giving me water when I'm thirsty or medicine when I'm sick to get better.

The flowers in her garden are her friends and family who come and support her when she's down. They are also there to make her garden look full and happier. Flowers also signify love and support towards my mother and her growing her garden. The tools are her way of helping me get through rough times and all negative or sad things.

Without plants and flowers or tools, a garden couldn't be a garden. If there was no mother or no care, happiness, love, or joy, a garden couldn't stay alive, be happy, or grow.  Therefore, without a mother a garden just wouldn't be complete.

Mother's Day ' 07 ...  I love you Mom!  Sarah

Beauty of a Woman

~~ Beauty of a Woman ~~

The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears,

The figure she carries, or the way she combs her hair.

The beauty of a woman must be seen from her eyes,

Because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides.

The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole,

But true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul.

It is the caring that she lovingly gives,

The passion that she shows.

The beauty of a woman

With time, only grows...

Live A Life That Matters

Live A Life That Matters

Ready or not, someday it will all come to an end.

There will be no sunrise, no minutes, hours or days.

All the things you collected, whether treasured or forgotten, will pass to someone else.

Your wealth, fame and temporal power will shrivel to irrelevance.

It will not matter what you owned or what you were owed.

Your grudges, resentments, frustrations, and jealousies will finally disappear

So, too, your hopes, ambitions, plans, and to-do list will expire.

The wins & losses that once seemed so important will fade away.

It won’t matter where you came from, or on what side of the tracks you lived, at the end.

It won’t matter whether you were beautiful or brilliant.

Even your gender and skin color will be irrelevant.

So what will matter? How will the value of your days be measured?

What will matter is not what you bought, but what you built; not what you got but what you gave.

What will matter is not your success, but your significance.

What will matter is not what you learned, but what you taught

What will matter is every act of integrity, compassion, courage or sacrifices that enriched, empowered or encouraged others to emulate your example.

What will matter is not your competence, but your character.

What will matter is not how many people you know, but how many will feel a lasting loss when you’re gone.

What will matter is not your memories, but the memories that live in those who loved you.

What will matter is how long you will be remembered, by whom and for what.

Living a life that matters doesn’t happen by accident. It’s not a matter of circumstances but of choice.

My Life…

My Life...

Christine Gabuya Brown

All this time I thought I didn't have a life of my own.  I thought my life was boring. I was so wrong!  I have a wonderful life!

My wonderful husband, Cory, adores me unconditionally.  
He is the solid, yet easy-going foundation of our busy family.

He is supportive of all my endeavors, which I couldn't do without him. I have two beautiful children, Scott and Sarah, who I love more than anything.  My parents, brother, sister and their families love me and are very proud of my accomplishments.  I also have many loyal friends.

I was a stay-at-home mom for almost seven years, until Sarah went to school.  I was so lucky to have the chance to spend all that quality time with my children while they were growing up.  I miss those times.  I'll always cherish the memories of them running to me to kiss their boo boos.... reading books to Sarah before bedtime, and rubbing Scott's back until he fell asleep. 

The moment they got up in the morning, both of them would reach for their backpacks to do some painting, drawing and coloring. Sarah loved to sing and recite the alphabet while having a bubble bath. Then we would get them ready for swimming lessons, dance class, baseball practice, bowling....  It's hard to believe those were the days when life was simple. 


When Sarah was in kindergarten I started my own daycare business, and then in 2004, I incorporated the business to include pre-school. Last year, my whole family started a new business - Melrose Home Health Care Services, Inc.  (Melrose from Milagros, which is my Mama's name.) 

Now my "new baby" project is the "Filipino-American Magtinabangay Foundation, Inc. - FAMFI, which is really exciting for me.  I really enjoy helping the Filipino orphans and less privileged families.  My plan is to go to the Philippines twice a year for the next few years until the foundation is stable. 

My heart problem last December was a blessing in disguise because it made me realize I have a wonderful life!  It made me examine my relationship with my husband and children. 

My relationship with my family is now closer than ever.  I found out that I have true and loyal friends.  I have learned not to waste time and to show everyone how much I love and care for them. To forgive and forget is very important because life is too short.



An angel wrote: 


Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart. 

Maria Christine Sacay Gabuya-Brown

Founder and Chief Executive Officer

Filipino-American Magtinabangay Foundation, Inc.

FAMFI

I have considered my life to be blessed. I have a strong foundation of spirituality. I am surrounded by people I love & by people who loves me. I make a living doing what I thoroughly enjoy. I am so fortunate & I feel a need to give something back to society.

My husband and I, along with the help of our families, operate a day care and pre-school business from our home. We know how important it is for a child to start life healthy. The way a child develops physically, mentally and socially determines the rest of that child's life.

Although I've been living in the US for 20 years, I grew up in Cebu City, in the Philippines. I still have many friends & family in Cebu that I stay in contact with. I am very aware of the ongoing poverty & hardship the children there have to endure. People in the US know that other countries are not as wealthy as they are. However, unless people have actually been to other countries to see the poverty first hand, they don't understand the severity of it.

My goal is to take a proactive stance in making people aware of the tremendous need to improve the lives of these unfortunate Filipino children. I need to enlist the support of others in the US. Therefore, I have created a non-profit Charity foundation called Filipino-American Magtinabangay Foundation, Inc. dba FAM Foundation, Inc. The children are our future. By improving their lives, we improve the whole world.

"It is easy to ignore things we don't actually see. We get wrapped up in our busy lives and focus only on our immediate family & surroundings. We need to remember that our big, beautiful world isn't big at all. Thinking on a more global level, we are all God's children, and it is our responsibility to help each other."

"I finally know the feeling of real joy!!! Helping people and doing it without expecting anything in return is very rewarding- what a wonderful feeling!!!"

"I dedicate my missionary work to God because without Him I am nothing, to my parents Papa Alfie-my strenght and anchor, Mama Mila - my model and best friend in the whole world, to my children Scott & Sarah - my life, pride & joy, to my borther Alfie jr., sister Gamy & their families - whose always there when I needed them, my in-laws, Dad Gerry, Mom Connie & Tom whose always been supportive to us and the last but not the least my husband Cory - the love of my life."

A Hundred Years From Now

It will not matter

how much money you had

the sort of house you lived in

or the kind of car you drove

but the world may be

different because

you were important

in the life of a

CHILD

For the Love of the children...

It has been said that a person belief shapes who they are and what they do. Even as a young child I heard the calling of God upon my life.

I find my greatest fulfillment when I do what God has called me to do. It is not the fame nor the fortune that fulfills me. It is only when I am in my passion I feel complete.

Jesus is our greatest example. He told his disciples, suffer not the children to come unto him. I am simply doing what Jesus himself did. He touched the untouchable. Reached the unreachable. Love the unlovable. All because of LOVE. It was love that drove him to pay the ultimate sacrifice.

It is my hope that my life has challenged you to reflect on all that God has given to you. In order to give back to those less fortunate than us.

Please remember I do this all for Love of the children. Thank you all for your love and support...

I'm Grateful God Sent You To Me...

Once in a lifetime,

Someone special enters your life.

You don't know how it happens,

or where it might go.

You welcome them with open arms.

Appreciating them for who they are.

Don't care where they have been:

You're just grateful for their friendship

and that God has sent them.

THE WORTH OF A WOMAN

They bear hardships and they carry burdens,

but they hold happiness, love and joy.

They smile when they want to scream.

They sing when they want to cry.

They cry when they are happy and laugh when they are nervous.

They fight for what they believe in.

They stand up to injustice.

They don't take "no" for an answer when they believe

there is a better solution.

They go without so their family can have.

They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.

They love unconditionally.

They cry when their children excel and cheer when

their friends get awards.

They are happy when they hear about a birth or a wedding.

Their hearts break when a friend dies.

They grieve at the loss of a family member,

yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left.

They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart.

Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.

They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you to show how

much they care about you.

The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning.

They bring joy, hope and love.

They have the compassion and ideas.

They give moral support to their family and friends.

Women have vital things to say and everything to give.

HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN,

IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.