Established as a trend by Vince Misa, the series of combined birthday bash for Batch63 continue on. For the January celebration, the birthday boys are Ed Oleta, Tony Estonina, Tito Lucero and Oni Mayo. The breakfast saw a comparatively big group once again including two balikbayans: Tonichi Grey and Gary Salcedo. Due to the proximity of the Grand Reunion and the Homecoming, the conversation in Willow Root turned into a business meeting of sorts (for the Reunion project) after breakfast. As usual the rowdy bunch was well, rowdy. Project Chair Vince had to strain as he tried to explain his detailed plans to the group. As gathered (despite the simultaneous din on irrelevant matters provided by Jackie Arellano and Gabby Valdez on the other end of the table) Vince explained the travails he and Art Alvendia went through trying to get the DLS Homecoming committee to accept Batch63's obra maestra of a presentation. The problem arose when the Homecoming committee suddenly opted to introduce a Mardi Gras theme to the event. Since Batch63's presentation seemed off (the theme), we had to convince the committee that it wasn't. In the end even the strict Homecoming events director, Fritz I, was convinced especially after Art turned on his charm.
Emotions run high especially when the business of accountability, plan review and prospective project funding shortfall was brought to the table by Bert Saenz and Oni Mayo. It was a case of marketing optimism versus financial surety, open budget-for-quality considerations versus budget caps-for-realism. Tonichi was his usual take-charge personality as he orated on what he sees is moot and regular solutions to problems. Called to walk the talk, he bragged that if funds are the problem, he would make the collections for the 7th Note gig even then with those present. Predictably, he collected nothing (at least that day).
Joking aside, the Grand Reunion project is now in full gear. The Story of Us video is being finalized by Art Alvendia and I understand that Vince and Gary Salcedo are now negotiating with 7th Note and the Elvis Band for the Grand Reunion party. Oni Mayo started the fund raising letters to Batch63 tycoons, whereby Steve Hontiveros was tapped to handle the collections. For the Batch63 sponsors, please GIVE, GIVE, GIVE and submit your preferred corporate logos to Oni Mayo that they may be acknowledged in the promotional ads being prepared for the Party. Guys, Batch63 is enjoined to support Vince and his associates in this effort. Watch out for forthcoming balita and instructions from Vince in the coming weeks. See you all at the Grand Reunion Bash at the 7th Note on February 28!
