Embassy bids farewell to officer 
By Tony Alabastro

Outgoing Welfare Officer Haji Nasser S Mustafa (4th right), wife APSA (3rd right) and son, with Philippine Embassy officers, led by Ambassador Virginia Benavidez.

Outgoing Welfare Officer Haji Nasser S. Mustafa received a farewell dinner from the Philippine Embassy officers and staff last Monday night at the Polo Restaurant in Jerudong.

"On the seventh day of the seventh month, after working in Brunei for nearly seven years let me describe Nasser in seven letters, Welfare," said Ambassador Virginia H. Benavidez.

"I will miss a co-officer, a partner in consular matters, a bowling partner in the Filipino community, a friend of the family, and the Hari Raya calls"said Vice Consul and Third Secretary Arlen-Tullid Magno.

"You are the first welfare officer I have known in my life. We were together in my first consular case of this year," when 2003 was only a few seconds old, said Vice Consular and Third Secretary Jaime Ramon Ascalon.

"I don't dance, I don't sing, I will recite a poem," said Finance Officer Saula P. Cruz. She said she penned Nasser, a six-line testimonial in Pilipino, the night before she delivered it before the embassy family at the Polo Restaurant.

"You were my partner in bowling, going to the police, my translator, partner at the key officers meeting," said Venancio S. Tan, administrative officer, who sang "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes".

"Naz, this is for you," said Nelson Icaranom, protocol officer, as he sang Words by the Bee Gees. He beat the air with one hand as he conducted the audience to sing la-la-la-la in the background.

"I will pray to god that you and my husband will stop smoking," said Nasser's successor as welfare officer, Rose Ilo, in a message read by her husband, Francisco.

"I was jobless and Nasser gave me a job as a photographer," said Francis Ilo, who didn't carry a camera on Monday tribute night.

"Sir, this is the only time I can call you Nasser," said Nurhida S. Hernandez, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) administrative assistant, who read a prepared speech.

"You helped take care of my mother, until she passed away. I cannot talk much about you," said Haisa P. Lukman, OWWA administrative assistant, who spent a few more minutes saying farewell to her good boss.

"We were promoted together. From Milan, he said it's okay in Brunei, I can come here. He prepared my house here, met me at the Brunei airport," said outgoing Labour Officer Atty. Cesar Justo C. Caronan Jr.

"All the adjectives have been mentioned by the OWWA staff. Keep up the good work, good luck and bon voyage," said Larry Reyes, Labour office processor.

"Naz is my second cousin. We were inseparables since we went to school. We worked together in the Philippines, Saudi Arabia and Brunei," said Mohammad Hatta J. Latip, Pagibig representative, who sang Vincent (Starry Starry Nights).

In response, Nasser said, "I've seen embassy staff come and go. You are still here. Anytime you need me, I'll be there to help you."

Roberto S. Roldan, administrative and technical assistant, kept the gags and surprises flowing for the celebrant, until there was barely an hour for dancing when midnight struck, and the party was over.

Noli San Juan, Jerudong Park and Country Club marketing executive, led the group singing of "For He's A Jolly Good Fellow."

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin