Vince Misa started his joint birthday program on a good note this year. He had 100% participation from the January - February birthday celebrants that he assembled for Batch63’s enjoyment. The celebrants who hosted the Willow Root event today are: Tony Estonina, Ed Oleta, Tito Lucero, Mandy Ilustre and Oni Mayo.
The others who attended the breakfast party are: Joey Ingles, Ned Bulatao, Francis Horn, Gary Salcedo, Ed Lim, Linggoy Araneta, Gabby Valdes, Vic Corpus, Raffy Villareal, Joey Estagle, Jackie Arellano, Boy Palanca, George Cunanan, Steve Hontiveros, Lito Quiogue, Douglas Marcaida, Bert Saenz, Boy Carlos and Vince Misa of course. A surprise guest is Boy Lumba who just arrived from the States with his wife. Mrs. Lumba's mother in the province is gravely ill. Batch63 wishes Boy's mother-in-law a speedy recovery.
Celebrants’ Current Activities
Tony Estonina remains the busy contractor that he is. Today, he is in the midst of completing two apartment building projects of his located in Remedios and Vito Cruz. The two projects collectively have 25 units that are selling fast even before their construction is finished. Tony truly deserves the fruits of his continuing business success. What does he do with his money? Does he have any hobbies? Tony had to think hard though when he was asked about his hobbies. Pressed for an answer, he replied in jest: “How about adultery or sexual promiscuity?”
Tony’s friend and neighbor in the south is Ed Oleta. Ed today has slowed down a bit. He is quick to explain that he recently had a 9.5 hour operation where 600 grams of his right side liver had been excised. This followed his andioplasty procedure done 2 years ago. For that, he had 3 stents installed in his ticker. He is eagerly awaiting the arrival of his grand daughter for a vacation in Manila this summer. As we know, Ed’s daughter is married to European nobility so Ed’s granddaughter is a true, blue Dutch countess.
Tito Lucero is completely retired (so he says). He likes to engage in EBay stuff where he buys and sells expensive wristwatches. He keeps himself occupied by traveling when he gets bored. He recently arrived from a tour of China and Hong Kong. According to him he had an enjoyable time since he was accompanied by his 23 year old “caregiver”. According to Tito his caregiver is worth the investment since she provides him with everything he needs (including handling his luggage at the airport). Yes Tito, Seniors do need care.
Mandy Ilustre is a gentleman farmer. He claims he is retired but then he continues to do what he has been doing forever - tend to his sugar plantation in Batangas. I surmise that this job is not that simple since he has to supervise planting and harvesting activities, monitor crop prices and address DAR and tenant problems. He regularly travels to the USA with his wife when he is not attending socials in Manila. His birthday party celebration last Friday in Greenmeadows Subdivision was attended by Batch63 guys who danced the night away.
The advocacies of Oni Mayo include heritage conservation (he stewards an ancestral house in Batangas), music making (with his retro band from college) and writing up inane Blogs (for his friends and family). He regrets giving up his regular Tennis sessions for the moment due to a torn meniscus (knee injury). Since October last year, he switched to swimming as a form of therapy and which he hopes he can discontinue soon for Tennis.
Quip of the Day
This piece was overheard at the Kapihan. It’s not the exact words but the message is the same. For purposes of security and harmony, the name of the inquirer is discreetly disguised.
Batch63 guy: Pare, ang galing mo. Saan ba ako makahanap din ng caregiver?
Tito : Don’t ask me. Baka magalit sa akin si Mrs mo.
Batch63 guy: Pare, sige na. My wife says I’m not a gentleman anymore anyway so it’s OK.
Tito : What . . ?
Batch63 guy: She said a gentlemen rises when a lady enters the room.
See slide show for more photos.
