PHOTO GALLERY - The Greencross Saga

CHAPTER 1

Born in our ancestral home in Chio Kho Village, Jin Jiang, Fujian province,
on January 25, 1922. I was the first-born child, and was named Co Giap
and raised by my parents with love and joy. Living an idyllic childhood,
my life in China is comfortable and happy.

MY LIFE IN CHINA

CHAPTER 2

My Ama passed away, so me and my decided that we will be moving to
the Philippines to join my father. We packed our bags, and precious items,
and travelled to Xiamen with my adopted cousin and maternal grandmother
where we would board a ship to the Philippines.

Journey to The Philippines

CHAPTER 3

When Manila got into war during the 1940s, I did not
feel that I was in any grave or imminent physical danger,
but it was a difficult time nonetheless. Fortunately, we
managed to escape the brutality of Japanese soldiers.

War and Liberation

CHAPTER 4

After surviving the war, I longed to build a family of my own. This chapter
of my life was full of celebrations, namely my wedding and the baptism
of my children, so on May 23, 1948, I married Katherine Sia Siu Eng at
the chapel of the University of Santo Tomas.

A Wedding and 8 Baptisms

CHAPTER 5

It was my second year as a bodegero in 1949, when my uncle Quieng Sun Hung
figured into a dispute withManager Yu Cho Im. After leaving Manila Commercial
Company, he appointed me as his successor to the position for the company,
and gave me a keychain which I still have as a treasured remembrance.

Founding Green Cross

CHAPTER 6

As a Chinese family, we have kept several traditions as a way to honor
our parents and the whole family. Being the oldest son, I was tapped
with the responsibility to care for my ageing parents, and I took that
responsibility with honor and pride.

Raising a Family

CHAPTER 7

My family and my business grew. And after two years, I have established
the Gonzalo Laboratory where I introduced our second product that outsold
the Green Cross Alcohol – the Zonrox Bleach.

Inside Green Cross

CHAPTER 8

By the 1950s, I’m a family man with a lovely wife and a newborn baby,
with steady employment. Although our future looked bright, I felt there
was something missing. As a devout Catholic, I have learned my purpose
is to “know, love and serve God” and that was I intended to do.

Service to God and Man

CHAPTER 9

By coming to the Philippines, I discovered that I was now part
of the greater Chinese diaspora. By being Chinese, we have
enjoyed patronage of other Chinese as with culture of
patronizing businesses that they have affinity with.

Chinese Associations

CHAPTER 10

By the 1970s, my business is going well and providing a comfortable
life for my family. However, I wanted to secure my lineage, which is
why I have encouraged my eldest Syril to marry, which was a big
celebration among our family as he was the firstborn son.

The Lineage Continues

CHAPTER 11

China was my favorite place to visit, out of all the places I have went to, as this
ancient land was my birthplace and the cradle of Chinese culture which influences
who I am up to this day. I have been to China countlesstimes, with many people,
but I enjoyed it the most when I am visiting with my family.

Travels with The Family

CHAPTER 12

When asked by my children to leave a legacy to future
generations by writing this book, I was overwhelmed
as I have lived a simple life. But I realize that exact
simplicity is where my legacy to them lays.

My Legacy

The picture of my parents (bottom row third and fourth from the left), along with other prominent residents of the Village, can be viewed in the school where I studied.

Relatives living in Chio Ku Kho Village, our ancestral hometown and Sua Be Tau Village, my Mother's hometown

The passage leading to the room where I was born

My father and I visited the tomb of my grandparents in Chio Ku Kho.

The Kaw Kah is a popular attraction for tourist today

The Christian Brothers at La Salle Helped shape my character

The High School Faculty of La Salle. Seated L-R: Bro. Berthwin, Mr. Ariston Estrada, Bro. Hubert, Bro. Xavier (President), Bro. Arcadius, Mr. A. Buenconsejo, Bro. Lucian, Bro. Gerfried, Mr. C. Gloria, Bro William, Mr. H. Cebrero. Bro Victor, Mr. G. Ocampo and Bro. Max

A very blurred photo of the High School Class of 1944. I'm 5th from the left in the second row in the gray shirt.

My father and mother, with me (behind left), my half-sister Loreto, my half-brother Edward and my cousin Ching Ho.

My parents, me my cousin Ching Ho, my half-sister Loreto and my newborn brother Anthony.

In front: My parents, Jesus Co Ay Tian and Marie Go Siok Kee and my brother Joseph Between them. Behind: my sister Mary Co, now Mary Co Cho; my half-sister Loreto With my brother Peter Co; me; my wife Katherine carrying my son Syril; and my Brother Anthony Co.

My half-sister Rebecca, who is Still alive today and lives in Harrison

I'm the second from the left (in the photo above) with my fellow teachers at Sin Hing Night School.

Katherine was so lovely on our wedding day.

First, there was one, whom we named Syril, before we knew it, they were four. As along came Marciano, Pablo and Agnes. The nest time I counted, they were seven.

As Lucy, Cecile and Felix arrived, one step at a time.

Then came Anna, the youngest and last, to give us a grand total of eight! An auspicious number to the Chinese indeed! To us, they've brought eight times more love and we are eight times more blessed!

Marciano's baptism His godparents were Dr. Mariano Quieng and Miss Consuelo Quieng. Consuelo was the daughter Of Uncle Quieng Sun Hing.

Pablo's baptism. His godfather was Mr. Charlie Cheng. His godmother was Miss Gloria Nubra, Who is now a nun In Hong Kong.

Agnes's baptism Her godparens were Mr. and Mrs. Deogracias Zarate.

Cecile's baptism Her godfather was Dr. Deogracia Tan and her godmother was Miss Tan Giok Cham.

Lucy's baptism. Her godparents were Mr. and Mrs. Alejo.

Flex's baptism with his godparents, My mother-in-law and our children.

Anna's baptism. Her godfather was Mr. Valenzuela and Her godmother was Mrs. Go Siu Po.

Katherine and Agnes on the steps of Mirasol in Pasay City.

Three boys and a car - my brothers Joseph and Peter and my son Syril

Three kids on the steps - Marciano, Pablo and Agnes.

Katherine during a mass at the company premises.

My parents-in-law Gonzalo Sia Eng Yin and Maria Co Po Hap holding my sons Syril (left) and Marciano (right). Standing behind: my wife Katherine, her brother Sia Ting Kok, and me.

My father-in-law, Sia Eng Yin (second from right), was known in China town as Ai Kok Lao Lang (Patriotic Old Man). During the 1950s, whenever the Chinese Navy (from Taiwan) visited Manila, the officers always invited to their functions.

Felix’s confirmation. His godparents were. Mr. and Mrs. Ramirez, the owners of the apartment that I rented on 2500 Taft Avenue when I started my business.

Then the younger ones came: Felix in 1958 and Ana, our youngest, in 1960. Ana doesn’t have a photo here because she was just a baby when these were taken.

Katherine remained slender as ever, even after bearing eight children.

Ruben Tizon, his wife Myrna, their son Pog and daughter-in-law Mary Ann, Jersey City, NJ,1991.

Katherine and me with (L-R) Lucy, Agnes, Pablo and Marciano.

Our house at 36 Mirasol in Pasay City. My parents and sibling lived upstairs while my wife, kids and I lived downstairs. My parents, Co Ay Tian and Lo Siok Kee, seen on the steps.

Katherine picking the rice as Syril snaps this photo

Top, front row, L-R: Felix, Anna, Pablo, Cecile, Lucy and Agnes, Behind: me, my nephew Sy Chian and Katherine.

I took the family with me to Albay where we admired of Mt. Mayon perfect cone and went sightseeing in the town.

Katherine and I worked together for the children.

Three girls on a bridge- Agnes, Lucy, and Ana

Horseback riding with Ana and Pablo. Felix and Sharing a mount

Horsing around in the pool with friends.

With Katherine and Felix on the steps leading to the Cathedral

The girls, Katherine and the newlywed climb to the grotto of our Lady of Lourdes

Burnham Park was a popular stop for us. The children went biking and boating, while Katherine and I strolled around, breathing the cool around, breathing the cool and fresh mountain air.

The first vehicle I owned, a second-hand International truck, used for deliveries

A celebration of Gonzalo Laboratory, L-R: Horacio dig and his wife, my son Syril, me, my sons Marciano and Pablo, Ben Anquilo, Teting and my brother Anthony.

The fourth anniversary on Gonzalo Laboratory on June 16,1956, celebrated at Aroma Cafe on Azcaraga Street Manila. L-R my brothers Anthony and Joseph; Ruben Tizon (first salesman ) and his wife Myrna; Mateo Dig (delivery man); Raymundo Dig (first employee) Horacio Dig; Mrs. Escobar and Mr. Escobar (salesman); Augusto Dig (production); Sergio Buemo ( Miguel’s son) and Miguel Buemo (driver); and me.

Some of the later employees of Gonzalo Laboratories with my son Marciano (standing, second from right)

With my original group of Legionaries taken on December 10, 1950. Behind L-R; Dr. Francisco Angtuaco, me, Engineer Florencio Tan, a sister Enrique Cuatico, Ramon Uy, Revilla Chung, Seated L-R: Dr. Manuel Ty, Luciano Say, Rev. Fr, Garcia, Dr. Alfonso Cuyegkeng, a priest, Dr Deogracias Tan and another priest.

We celebrated the birthday of Fr. Beauregard with a small party at Pnciteria China. The celebrant is on my right. Beside him is the former Bishop of Amoy, China, and later Auxiliary Bishop of Manila Juan Velasco. Leftmost is a Legionaire. To my left is Bro. Pablo Siy, also a Legionarie.

A meeting of our chapter in 1979. I am on the left in the foreground. To my right is our spiritual director, Fr. Pedro Tejero.

We gathered on October 1, 1979 at the start of the month of the Holy Rosary. Standing L-R: Segundino Angtuaco, James Lim, Ricardo yap, Benjamin Lim, Joseph, Luciano Say, Florentino Tan, a brother. Seated L-R: a brother, me, and Pablo Siy.

At the grotto in the garden of my home. I am in the center.

The Legion of Mary at the Binondo Chinese Parish in 2006. L-R: David Tui, Benjamin Lim, Luis Serra, Pablo Siy, me, Ricardo Yap. James Wong is not in this photo.

Mary the Queen parish began in a house on Zamora Street in Pasay City and later moved to Greenhills.

Every Saturday, we pray for five to six patients on the sixth-floor ward of the Metropolitan Hospital

With Jaime Cardinal Sin, preparing for he Pop's visit. I am standing on the right.

Birthday celebration of Grand Knight Damy Gregorio

Knights of Columbus' Valentine celebration at my place on Zamora Street.

The Knights of Columbus Council No. 4267, taking time to visit the sick and the aged in their homes.

In 1995, the council gave me a plague of appreciation for ''continued dedication and unselfish service for supporting and contributing in all council-sponsored projects.''

The blessing of the Pasay Catholic Center at 517 Protacio Street by Bishop Juan Velasco

The first conference of the Manila Chinese Catholic Associations in the in the Philippines in 1953.

I served on the board of the Manila Chinese Catholic Association. I'm standing on the leftmost side.

The theme of my term at the Rotary Club of Downtown Manila was 'Look Beyond Yourself.' I established scholarships for indigent students of Greater Manila.

My Children (L-R) Marciano, Lucy, Cecile, Anna, Felix, and Syril giving their full support to my involvement in Rotary.

The presidential table at the induction ceremonies

Governor Carlos swears in the new officers of the club

My acceptance speech as the new president of our chapter

A lighthearted moment with the guest singer

My pinning as president witnessed by my children (L-R) Lucy, Agnes, Cecile (hidden), Ana, Felix and Syril.

Grand Knight Eddie Aurellado of the Knights of Columbus Council No. 4267 gives me a plaque.

During my term, we invited Aquilino Q. Pimentel Jr., now senator, to be our guest speaker (right in brown).

With then-Vice President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

With Senator Nikki Coseteng; I am on the left and she is beside me.

Presenting the Rotary Club of Singapore with a Philippine-designed plaque during the club's 18th anniversary celebration in June 2006 in Singapore.

Even today, I continue to support the RCDM's Scholarship Program.

Hosting a delegation of Rotarians from Japan. I am standing behind on the right.

Members of the Filipino-Chinese Charitable Organization

A donation we made for a home for the aged

The Filipino-Chinese Charitable Organization. I am standing behind, the 10th from the left.

With some of the members of the Filipino-Chinese Charitable Organization. I am on the leftmost side.

A Philippine Chinese General Chamber of Commerce dinner with Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim at Shang Place. I am 4th and Lim is 5th from the left.

(Left) Pan Hian and Sun Si ; (Right) Our ancestors Co Ay

The school in Chen Jio town. On the left are members of the Philippine Kho Associations. I am 4th from the left.

In 1994, we went to Hopei Province in northern China to visit the tomb of Co Yiu

As president of the Chio Ku Kho Family Association, I brought a basketball team To our hometown in China for friendly games with our counterparts there. I’m the 9th from the right.

I was the guest during the installation of a new president by the Philippine Kho Association

At a function of the Chio Ku Kho Family Association

The 10th Biennial Convention of the World's Xu Clannish Associations in Bangkok, Thailand, on December 3, 2000.

The almost empty road, reminding me of the parallels in my life with the poem by Robert Frost, ''The Raod Less Travelled.''

A historic moment - walking down the road I donated to Chio Ku Kho Village

The dormitory for teachers I donated in my home village of Chio Ku Kho

The inauguration rites of the building that I donated to Chin Yaw Grade School. This building was used as a dormitory for teachers.

The pagoda I donated to Chio Ku Kho Village in honor of my parents

The stage that i donated in my home village in memory of the many times I've enjoyed the Kaw Kah there as a young boy

As the major patron, I had the chance to declare that the show was open

The actors in a live scene on the stage.

The Liatsan Family Association hosted an international conference in Manila in 1998. As that year’s president of the association, I give Dr. Ralph Nubla a plaque

In October 1994, we went to Ying Ling town in Holan Province to visit the shrine of on our ancestors, Co Yiu

I was in Xiamen City with members of the association in 1994. On the left is Ong Sun Liu, the Filipino-Chinese cultural attache.

Katherine and Dennis, our first grandchild

My grandchildren, great-grandchildren and me on Christmas 2006

Family portrait taken during my 60th birthday in 1982

Katherine's birthday on December 4, 1982 celebrated at home

My 61st birthday party held in Cathay House on January 25, 1983

Family portrait taken on my 80th birthday in 2002

We continued to take care of my mother-in-law after Katherine's death

Dennis and me seen in front of our rented house on Sta. Monica Street in Pasay City

Dennis and me during one of our trips abroad when he was still a youngster

My children have rallied around me. Standing L-R: Syril, Marciano, Pablo and Felix. Seated: Agnes, Lucy, me, Cecile and Ana.

Enjoying the karaoke with Cecile at a Family gathering.

The Gua Tan Kung Health Club who members are octagenarians. I am in the third row, the fourth from the left. This photo was taken in December 2006.

Cecile and I lit candles in Our Lady of Peace Church on September 11, 1992.

cecile and i in our lady of peace church

Fulfilling my promise to St. Padre Pio, I visited his shrine in Italy in November 2006. Cecile is beside me and we pray for his tomb.

With my parents and my daughters at the Manila Peninsula Hotel. My daughters L-R: Ana (beside me) Lucy, Cecile and Agnes.

On his 16th birthday, Dennis shares the honor of cutting the cake with my parents, his parents and me as his siblings Vinson and Sheelah look on.

One Christmas, we took my father, then in his 90s, to the Westing Philippine Plaza Hotel. L-R: Cecile, Lucy, me, my father, Ana, a caregiver, Agnes and my sister Mary Co Cho.

L-R: My daughters Cecile, Lucy, Agnes, me, Ana, my father and my sister Mary.

My sister Mary and her husband Domingo Cho

Lucy So Hua Tan Co, the widow of my brother Joseph

Daily prayer time helps me look beyond this life.

Even when I travel, prayers in the morning and prayer at night from the bookends of my day.

When I count the years and look upon my progeny, I know that I am indeed richly blessed by God.