December Boys

December is the birthmonth of Jimmie Gonzalez, Eboy Cosme, Tonichi Gray, Babes Alvarez and Stephen Ty and so they threw a party.  The party is of course Batch63's “Grand Kapihan” style as organized by Vince Misa. Babes and Stephen were actually unable to attend the celebration but they managed to send their ‘toka’ to Vince Misa. The food was great as usual. In behalf of Batch63, thanks for the real nice breakfast December boys! 

This birthday celebration of the December boys at Manila Polo Club also turned out to be the Christmas party of Batch63. The dual objective of the party brought about a holiday mood for Batch63 who lingered on for more coffee and interesting conversation long after the Kapihan breakfast fare had been put away and the waiters were preparing the lunch menu. 

Apart from the celebrants, Batch63 guys who came from far and wide were: Joey Ingles, Joey Estagle, Gary Salcedo, Joey Angeles, Paqui Campos, Bambi Goco, Francis Horn, Raffy Villarreal, Oni Mayo, Poldy Arnaiz, Ed Lim, Steve Hontiveros, Gabby Valdez, Ed Oleta, Tony Estonina, Bert Saenz, Jackie Arellano, George Cunanan, Quito Moras, Gem Yabut, Boy Carlos and Vince Misa. It was good to have dashing balikbayan Tonichi Grey once again.  He will be leaving for home (in the US) soon but  he made an effort to be in Manila for his birthday. A rare bird is suave Paqui Campos who livened up the discussions with his wit. Paqui is a tried and true cosmopolite who is found in high end parties where there are usually society reporters around.  For the Kapihan however, he knows he will have to settle for the Menagerie and photos from my old Canon point-and-shoot. 

Since a critical mass of Batch63 guys were present, the GJ group (Golden Jubilee core group) took the opportunity to be productive. A consensus for the Bienvenida food fare (on Feb 24, 2013) was agreed.  Read: yummy lechon de leche, pare! GJ Treasurer Gary Salcedo was also seen going around the tables to cajole those who hadn't paid their GJ fund P4K still.  Re the Tee-shirt project, Oni Mayo sought out Steve Hontiveros to try and pressure the supplier to start the work.  As we know, Steve is trying to get a good deal for the Batch from such manufacturers. 

Pitches for the other events for the reunion week were also made. For the golf, Raffy Villareal and Quito Moras confirmed that they will be joining Gary Salcedo, Jack Arellano and Gabby Valdez in the list of the local team. Attention Art Sicat, maybe we can have a US-Phl dual meet.   The venue and date for this event however still remains to be finalized. For the Recollection Day activity, Francis Horn is trying to come up with attendees to enlist but is hard pressed to find qualified people from the Batch.  Don't quote me, but I'm sensing hat he has not extended his invitation to Tonichi.  Before he left the Kapihan, Francis however promised that he will be advising soon re the possible venue and damage that will be required for the event.

See slide show for more photos.

November Grand Kapihan

The November Grand Kapihan feted the following birthday celebrants: Steve Hontiveros, Bambi Goco, Douglas Marcaida, Gem Yabut and Gabby Valdes. Another festajado was Jimmy Estrella. Although Jimmy is based in Pangasinan he had planned to join the Kapihan. On his way to Manila however, car trouble prevented him from making it so he just sent in his contribution to the affair. To all the November celebrants, a happy, happy birthday from Batch63. 

The Batch63 gang who participated in the Grand Kapihan were: Boy Carlos, Joey Ingles, Joey Estagle, Joey Angeles, Oni Mayo, Ben Ang, Vic Romero, Ed Lim, Poldy Arnaiz, Gary Salcedo, Lito Quiogue, Tony Estonina, Ed Oleta, Francis Horn, Lito Domantay, Tonichi Grey, Bert Saenz, Quito Moras and of course, the organizer Vince Misa. 

The Grand Kapihan is really a great vehicle for seeing old friends again. Gem Yabut was out of sight for years to most of the group until this November Kapihan. Gem is a lawyer and must have been very busy. He is thus one guy who welcomes court cases. Tonichi Grey is another rare class mate. Some years ago, he had been actively coming to the Philippines but then his visits became less. Seemingly, he opts to stay home more in his Washington area home . . until today. Yes, the macho conyo is back in town and I presume, creating ‘lagim’ once again. 

Everytime the group gets together nowadays, they end up discussing Batch63 proposed activities for the GJ week.  For the benefit of the Batch herewith below is the list of activities for our Golden Jubilee homecoming event:

February 24, 2013 – Bienvenida Party & Stars of Yesteryears show 

February 27, 2013 – February Grand Kapihan
February 28, 2013 - Batch63 Golf (tentative)

March 2, 2013      – Homecoming Day 

March 4, 2013      – Despedida Party 

In addition, the rehearsals for the participants of the Stars of YesterYears will be before Feb. 24.  Thus, the participants in the Stars of YesterYears show are enjoined to be in Manila days before then.  Two other activities which are still being planned are the Batch63 Golf and the Batch63 Recollection Day. We will keep you posted on the details of these activities once they are firmed up. In the meanwhile, hasta la vista muchachos. (Sorry for the late Blog Tonichi – I got tied up.)

See slide show for more photos.

DLSAA Meeting

Joey Estagle is Batch63’s perennial representative to the DLSAA. Last week he invited Batch63 GJC coordinator, Oni Mayo to attend the DLSAA meeting with him. The DLSAA directors (headed by the incumbent President, Mr. Johnny Sy) conducted the breakfast meeting.  In brief, the major activities for the 2013 Homecoming are proposed by the DLSAA as follows: 

1.    Jubilee Fellowship Night (around Jan 2013; dinner and dancing). 

2.    Bro. Ben Memorial Golf tournament (Feb. 26, 2013 at Valley Golf) 

3.    2013 DLS Homecoming (Once again at La Salle Taft grounds on March 2, 2013) 

The prospective theme (not yet final) of the homecoming is “Back to 1”. It’s a play on the ‘One La Salle” theme. It’s a statement to highlight the fact that despite the expansion and diversification that the school has embarked on in the past decades, everything is now consolidated to signify unity still. In other words it’s an effort to capture the singular spirit that was natural to the school when it used to be alone in Taft once upon a time. 

The meeting was also an opportunity to understand the plans for the various presentations on Homecoming night. There will be several batches making presentations but Batch63’s presentation is the highlight show of the night since Batch63 is the Golden Jubilarian. The DLSAA advised that all presentations be streamlined and fun since the audience will be hard-to-please mixed generations. The idea that comes across is that the organizers prefer a musical show of sorts. 

Long haired Tony Atayde is the DLSAA program director for the homecoming presentations. Batch63 shall coordinate with him regarding the content and duration of its presentation. Props, video screen and sounds on stage will be provided by DLSAA. The groups preparing their presentation will need to provide their own show material. There will be a rehearsal the evening before the Homecoming and as everyone now knows, the Homecoming show will again be in the Taft campus (where it used to be before the construction of the Centennial building).  The new Centennial building is called the Henry Sy building.  It is in the finishing stage and its vast ground floor open lobby shall be the venue for the show. 

Batch63 guys are enjoined to attend the coming Kapihan on October 24 so that we can brainstorm the prospective stage presentation of the Batch among other things. Thanks to Joey Estagle for the photos herein covering the said DLSAA meeting. Animo La Salle!

See slide show for more photos.

The Boys of the Fall

Happy Birthday to the September - October Batch63 celebrants! These guys are: Boy Carlos; Francis Horn; Vic Corpus, Lito Domantay and Joey Estagle. While Jon Arcenas and Mari Vargas were not present, they are also celebrants.  According to Kapihan organizer Vince, Jon and Mari are expected to wire in their due ‘contribution’ to the blow out. This time, the Cameron Forbes Room of the Polo Club came up with a delicious buffet menu for the occasion. (I’m wondering whether this pleasant accommodation by the Club was due to Polding Arnaiz. In last week's Kapihan, the voluble Polding demanded in no uncertain terms that food service in Cameron Forbe needs to improve). 

The Batch63 guys who shared their time with the Birthday boys were: Joey Ingles, Vic Romero, George Cunanan; Gabby Valdes, Ed Lim, Oni Mayo, Tony Estonina; Ed Oleta; Boy Palanca; Joey Angeles; Jackie Arellano; Gary Salcedo; Quito Moras; Steve Hontiveros; Douglas Marcaida; Vince Misa and latecomer, Chito de Vera. As usual, the large group fell into clusters and discussed myriad topics.  Chito de Vera dramatically came in very late.  He had on hand a sapling Ipil tree plant from his nursery. Chito is expressing his appreciation of the work of the GJ Committee and so he was gifting some of them with the sapling trees. 

On another Batch member's related activity, Vic Corpus explained to the boys what he is doing lately. The ever-optimistic Vic is now working on an idea that could revolutionize the power industry. He has established an experimental plant in Canlubang where he is in the process of producing a prototype power generation machine. From my layman’s understanding of Vic’s description, the machine would ‘feed’ itself with electrical power (pumped-prime by the wind). With the use of a maglev turbine system he has invented, the machine would then produce eternal air power than can be made to drive specific mechanical elements. Vic Romero who came from the power sector (Meralco VP) expressed special interest in the project. More power, Vic Corpus. We can’t wait to see you in commercial production. 

Overall, the Batch is still high with its GJ Homecoming activities so it was a recurring topic during the noisy celebration. The suggestions came far and wide for the handling of the original and new activities proposed for the year long event. The details of the GJ proposals shall be presented in the GJ Committee Bulletins which the group will be receiving shortly. In the meanwhile, we are placing a call to all Batch63 to already send in your pledges (P4000) so that you can be counted to join in the Homecoming activities.  As explained earlier, the P4000 will be for the bienvenida, despedida, Stars of Yesteryears show, shirts and vests (to be worn during the stage presentation), and the "Friends" Batch63 CD.  The amount also covers the participation of spouses to the events for those who will bring them along.  

We are also trying to raise a fund to subsidize some classmates who may not have treated the Jubilee Homecoming as a priority investment area for them today. In this effort, some guys have already come through.  (Thanks to Manny Relova and Art Sicat for sponsoring two classmates). The money pledges can be sent to Gary Salcedo (for guys in the Philippines) and to Art Sicat (for guys in the USA).  Hasta la vista companeros. Animo La Salle!

See slide show more photos.

Lito Canillas

Having met up with Manny Relova and Lou Madamba in San Francisco and the guys at Las Vegas (Art Sicat, Victor Sy, Gary Salcedo, Joey Zamora and Manolo Carrillo), it was fulfilling to cap my US trip with a get together with Batch63's  Lito Canillas. A few days ago, Lito emailed that he is just in nearby Queens and so we linked up on a balmy Friday morning in NY. 

Since he came over to the US in 2001, Lito, his wife Jo and a young daughter stayed in Queens. Jo had an opportunity to work in America and Lito gave up a career in Manila (insurance industry) to be with his family. Today, Lito likes to say that he is a ‘servant of the lord’ who is quite active in his parish – St. Nicolas of Tolentine in Kew Gardens Hills, Queens, NY. 

Over the years, Lito had involved himself with sound system applications where today he is an expert in the trade. Much of his work is in the service of his parish and friends who require his expertise. I told him that his skill may be needed by Vince Misa who is putting together our ‘Stars of YesterYears’ show. When I also mentioned that our Manila Batch63 group have personalities who can 'rock', Lito got excited and said he has friends who are also into Band music. 

Lito and I started the morning by going to Sam Ash music store in NYC to browse some acoustic gadgets. Proceeding to Queens, we had a hefty lunch in a steak grill house after which we went to Lito’s house where I met his family. Shortly after, Lito got his car and we drove over to the house of Joey Martinez (DLSC 66 LA) and his wife Tere. At Joey’s large house I was shown Joey’s basement that had been converted into a band studio. There were guitars galore and other musical instruments. 

Needless to say, they thrust an acoustic-electric Ovation (that curved-back guitar) in my arms and we proceeded with some jamming. Joey of course played twangy lead on his Stratocaster. But the surprise for me was when Lito took on the Fender Base guitar and provided the rocking base undertone to the music. It was all impromptu of retro tunes and was a real fun time. After a guinatan merienda prepared by Tere, it was time to call it a day. 

Lito is definitely coming for the Jubillee Homecoming event in Manila next year. While Jo has limited vacation time, they will try to make it to the Batch63 Bienvenida Event one week before. Regarding the Homecoming activities, Lito asked if a day for reflection and recollection is included. Lito said that it would be nice to share ideas on the benefits of DLS Christian education particularly on its impact on our Batch63 group. Paging Francis Horn, Jimmy Ortigas and Boy Nazareno – Lito is willing to start the activity by preparing an agenda. He will however need back up for the organizational requirement at the Manila end of the project. 

Another day, another great experience. Hasta la vista to all and Animo La Salle!

See slide show for more photos.

La Sallian Boys Club 2012 Affair

The La Salle boys of Southern California definitely know how to put on a show. In September, they put on a week long festival that gathered together mostly La Salle guys in the West Coast. Batch63 guys from California who joined this annual affair (now on its 17th year!) were: Gary Salcedo; Art Sicat; Manolo Carrillo; Lou Madamba; Joey Zamora; and Victor Sy. A visiting guest from Manila was Oni Mayo.

The Boys Club festival organizer supreme and generous host is Nestie Teoxon. His spacious 3 bedroom unit at Hilton was the festival “office / clubhouse” and his SUV was the festival “carrier”. His supportive wife Jeflin Teoxon was the Boys Club ‘kunsintidora numero uno’. Nestie is DLS Commerce Batch68 who knows many Batch63 guys. His enthusiastic and sincere invitation was one of the reasons Oni made it a point to pass by the West Coast when his real destination was the East. 

The La Sallian Boys Club people know how to party. Not only are they all engaging and witty personalities but they grace the dance floor like anything! The night at the Gold Coast Hotel Casino Ballroom was the Grand Event of the festival. It glamorously displayed the “dress-to-impress” affair exemplified by elegant pairs who swung to boogie woogie, meringue, chachacha, tango, rhumba and other oldies music. I understand that a few years back, the Boys Club wanted to do away with the Grand Ball in consideration of the economic situation.Understandingly, the ladies would have none of it. Why am I seeing Batch63 attitude in this situation? 

Gary Salcedo was the (perennial) emcee for the Grand Ball. New participants to the festival got a special introduction while Batch63 was especially acknowledged as a group for supporting this La Salle event. The enthusiasm was high and Gary announced that Batch63 could consider sending a delegation to the La Sallian Boys Club affair next year since it’s their Jubilee year. With that, the Batch63 guys there were given time on stage to do some special numbers. After two retro songs (‘Words’ and ‘Do You Want to Know a Secret’) led by Joey “Cliff” Zamora, the group burst out into their finale “Hail One La Salle”  Batch63 anthem. Choreography was difficult to do since they needed to gather around the single copy of the lyrics while peering through prescription spectacles. 

While the Grand Ball was the main event, the week long festival was punctuated with fun activities such as a tour of Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam (tour guide was Binky Estrada); a Golf tournament (organized by Art Sicat complete with trophies and prizes); a Dinner night (with lechon) at the large house of Sonny Gonzalez (DLS Commerce Batch68); group lunches and dinners in specialty (and not-so-specialized) restos; and just plain loafing along the Strip with its many Casino-hotels. 

In ending, I’d like to cite the cooperation and participation of Batch63 ladies who put up with their Batch63 husbands over the festivity period. These were Nanette Sicat, Eileen Sy, Amy Zamora and Bili Mayo. There were more than 50 pax who attended the Grand Ball. Apart from the initial personalities mentioned above, below is the list of the other California-based Boys Club members who participated. 

Bobby & Imelda Razon; Jun Hernaez & June Baert; Rene & Juliet Cinco; Binky Estrada & Honey White; Eric & Teofi Javier; Joel & Bing Lacambra; Gus & Ethel Mercado; Henry Hernandez; Allan & Tina Estrella; Eric & Marilou Hernandez; Ila Villavicencio; Ed & Cynthia Bondoc; Lito & Babs Bisnar; Tom Umali & Lorna Sarmiento; Dan & Loreli Balais; Willy and Rose Salgado; Manny Noguera & Ludy Argouarch; Bobby & Marilou Marella; Cesar & Paulita Lumba; Jun & Sophie Teves; Sonny & Grace Gonzales; Bert Sebastian; and Wili Reynado. 

Hasta la vista, amigos. I’m now in NYC where I hope to touch base with other Batch63 guys there.

Lake Mead:    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Mead

See slide show more photos.

Northern California Batch63 Guys

Manny Relova 

In San Francisco, this Batch63 roving representative met up with Manny Relova. As everyone knows, Manny has established his career (during and after PAL) in San Francisco. He knows the city like the back of his hand. Earlier this year, Manny was on his usual vacation in the Philippines. He hooked up greatly with Batch63. Pursuant to that, It was nice to have still another chat with Manny but this time in his home base. 

As many know, Manny is a veteran marketing man in the travel industry. He knew the dining places and he recommended a Japanese resto for dinner. Manny’s savvy in and about the city was reflected in the way the resto proprietor familiarly greeted him. Over dinner, Manny accommodated my questions about his career and his family. 

It was a thrill to learn that a Filipina and Manny’s eldest – Monique – has something to do with the success of Apple’s IPhone product. Monique was a photography major in college. Per Manny, the Apple company hires a lot of non-IT people so Monique got to work with Apple. Monique’s case is a lesson in the benefits of specialization (multi tasking is passé?). Manny proudly displayed on his IPhone the patent certificate that Monique holds (together with another) for the development the IPhone’s camera system. Meaning to say – all IPhones bear the touch of Monique on it. His two other children are productive as well doing IT and marketing work.

Manny hopes to retire soon in Manila by next year. He is excited about the Batch63 Golden Jubilee celebrations and is actively participating in the GJ Committee's programs.  At the dinner, Manny entrusted $200 to Oni - $100 for his Homecoming fee and the other hundred for his friend Boy Tumpalan.  (See foto).  Manny said that he ate too many free hamburgers in the past at Roadside Cafe (owned by Boy's dad)  and this is his way of giving back.

Lou Madamba

After staying in San Francisco for several days, I transferred base to Foster City. There I met up with Lou Madamba. Lou drove all the way from San Jose for our meeting. (I told him that was the only way since I’m scared stiff to drive in the USA.) After his Engineering course in La Salle, Lou immediately immigrated to America. Unknown to many in Batch63, Lou eventually worked his way to success as an entrepreneur in the USA. 

Lou said that having no track record in the US when he arrived, he couldn’t find work as an Engineer, Thus he got sidetracked and started working in the electronics industry. Gaining experience in both the software and hardware side of the industry, Lou and a couple of partners eventually established and operated a firm that produces motherboards and the like. For a long time, this company supplied some of the current big players (Apple, HP, etc.) when they were all young and still on their way up. 

Today, Lou is on easy street and claims he is semi-retired. His experience continues to be in demand so he is an active business consultant for both local and international companies (HK, China, US, even one company in the Philippines). If I understand it correctly, Lou acts as the link between IT companies that may have a need for each others’ products. 

Lou and I ended up in a specialty resto in San Carlos which Lou claims was part of his work territory. We were so engrossed talking that we ended up closing the resto. Lou complained why they have to close so early. To this the chef-owner exclaimed: “Give me a break, guys - It’s 10PM. This is San Mateo, not NY!”

Lou remains in the pink of health. He attributes this to his Japanese wife who steered him away from fried foods. I was tempted to refute him using Vince Misa and Jack Arellano as examples of fried food eaters. Recalling Vince’s one dozen pills that he had to take a day and Jackie’s expanding waistline, I decided to hold my piece. 

 * * * 

It was interesting interacting with these two guys in their home turf. I’m now preparing for the Vegas DLS reunion next week where I expect to meet up with the South Cal Batch63 guys. Watch for my report on that one. Hasta la vista, hombres!

See slide show for more photos.

Dendi, He Will Be Missed

Being currently abroad, I regret not being with my friend Dendi during his wake, but Batch63 more than makes up for this. To Helen, Katrina and Anna – please accept Batch63’s heartfelt condolence on your loss.  Below are three commentaries from DLS Batchmates who saw Dendi off for the last time.


From Lito Quiogue
Reporting on the wake night allotted to Batch63

Dendi's wake was not of the traditional offering of prayers and condolences not to mention the pall of grief and regret that pervade among the survivors and friends of the demised person laying state in a memorial chapel.

As Dendi would have it, the eve of his interment last Tuesday was a roaring farewell with the blaring twang of electric guitars and songs of the good ol rock and roll era of the 60's. A motley group of talents from HS63 provided the unusual manner in consoling the bereaved relatives and friends of Dendi.

Joey Estagle dished out his trademark Elvis songs while Lito Domantay's renditions of R&B stars like Ricky Nelson and Everly Brothers were accompanied by the tandem of Jimmie Estrella and Ben Umali who jazzed out their talents with their electic guitars. It was more of a rock concert than it was a wake. The affair would have been complete just like those Saturday night shindigs if we had hotdogs and spaghetti in addition to the cornips, barbeques and 3-in-one coffee. It was nevertheless a memorable rocking party for our beloved friend.

Sail on, Dendi !


From Joey Angeles
Reporting on the machinations of the Group for Dendi 

Those who were present for the Sept1 6pm mass during the wake were:
 1. Joey Angeles
 2. Bobby Erum (DLSC67)
3. Bambi & Kang Goco
4. Alex Ledesma
5. Raffy Villarreal
6. Polding Arnaiz
7. Eddie Oleta
8. Vic Corpus
9. Boy Carlos
10.Buddy Palanca
11.Lito Domantay
12.Robert Dee
13.Lito Quiogue
14.Mr. & Mrs. Ben Umali (DLSC67)


From Joey Estagle 
Conmmenting on the request of Dendi’s family for Batch63 to lead the last night of the wake 

He did not want us to grieve, he wanted merriment.

See slide show for more photos (compliments of Joey Estagle)

Batch63 SportsFest

The SportsFest event at CSC (Cantada Sports Center) last Sunday proved to be another successful activity of Batch63. Starting at 2PM, the group roamed around the grounds and enjoyed the facilities. The guys who came to be counted were: Joey Angeles, Polding Arnaiz, Ned Bulatao, Vic Corpus, Eboy Cosme, Lito Domantay, Mari Duarte, Joey Estagle, Tony Estonina, Bambi Goco, Francis Horn, Oni Mayo, Vince Misa, Quito Moras, Lito Quiogue, Vic Romero, Gary Salcedo, Gabby Valdez, Patrick Go, Doug Marcaida, Ed Lim, Boy Carlos and Jimmy Estrella. 

Immediately upon arrival, the gun aficionados took to the firing range and created noise. Gen. Vic Corpus and Doug Marcaida (two gun-savvy guys) observed the proceedings with amusement even as the house expert guided the others on how to use the range. Lito Domantay and Gary Salcedo were seen with racks of ammo for their fancy pistols. Mari Duarte preferred the long gun that he used all afternoon. The others went to the badminton courts where club player Francis Horn took on everyone who dared to challenge him. Towards the end of the session, he was even playing against two guys. The strain of the game clearly showed on Patrick Go and Eboy Cosme who huffed and puffed as they really got a workout. 

The sporting activities was capped with a delicious merienda. Shortly after, the group was called to the meeting room where the GJC (golden jubilee committee) presented the planned activities for the homecoming in 2013. The Stars of Yesteryears show script for February 2013 was presented by Vince Misa. The Homecoming Presentation script for March 2013 and the proposed shirt designs were presented by Oni Mayo. Bambi Goco presented the AVP CD (give-away) status of work. Vic Romero discussed the Bienvenida and Despedida activities in February 2013 while Gary Salcedo reported on the status of the collections. The audience was participative with good suggestions on how to improve the various projects. 

The meeting took a little longer than expected but that only served to whet the dinner appetite of the group even more. They eventually took on the sumptuous fare prepared for them (complete with forbidden chicken crispy skin appetizer) while continuing with their seemingly endless conversation. I guess this is part of the secret of Batch63 camaraderie – they enjoy their banter no matter how repetitive it is. 

The dinner was not the end of the day for some of the participants. No sir, there was still the entertainment at the music lounge. The in-house show band dished out pop music that is like a “call to arms” for the likes of Lito D, Jimmy E, Joey E, Vince M and Oni M. The guys will not be denied their time on stage and so they took turns in taking over the center stage for their unflappable version of 60s songs. While this was going on, some availed of the massage service in another area of CSC on the guise that the sports activities earlier was tiring.  

It was a real fun day where host Boy Cantada spent time with Batch63 til the end. In closing, it is worthwhile mentioning some kudos.  Firstly congratulations to Joey Estagle for organizing the affair and supplying the photos that you are viewing here.  Secondly, we appreciate the Batch63 Fun fund for subsidizing 50% of the cost of this SportsFest event. Until next time, ANIMO Batch 63! 

Oni Mayo 

See slide show for more photos.

An August Body

At the August 15 Grand Kapihan, a new record for attendance was set by Batch63. The traditional joint birthday celebration drew the following guests: Joey Ingles, Gary Salcedo, Joey Estagle, Gabby Valdez, Mari Duarte, Polding Arnaiz, Vic Corpus, Ed Lim, Ned Bulatao, Francis Horn, Bambi Goco, Tony Estonina, Jackie Arellano, Ed Oleta, George Cunanan, Quito Moras, Steve Hontiveros, Boy Carlos, Eboy Cosme, Joey Angeles, Doug Marcaida, Boy Nazareno and Oni Mayo. 

The celebrants who were there to feed this hungry horde under Grand Kapihan tradition were: Paqui Campos, Benny Ang, Patrick Go, Lito Quiogue, Raffy Villareal and Vince Misa. 

The Cameron Forbes breakfast buffet display was quickly depleted where the waiters hurried to replenish the array of empty chafing dishes. It was a great morning for the batch who engaged in boisterous conversation even as they wished the August celebrants a Happy Birthday. In behalf of the group, thank you for the Blow out and the chance to get together again, birthday boys!

Part of the reason many came to the Kapihan was also to finalize their participation in the coming Batch63 SportsFest to be held at the Cantada Sports Center in Taguig this coming Sunday. As of Wednesday, more than 20 guys had committed to come to the SportsFest. Joey Estagle, organizer of the SportsFest, explained once again the different activities that the group can do at the Center. An important segment of the SportsFest would be the Plenary Session. For a few hours of that afternoon, the GJC (Golden Jubilee Committee) will take the opportunity to present the status of the Batch63 plans for the 2013 homecoming. 

After the Taal Heritage / Tagaytay excursion last time, the SportsFest will be the second major activity organized by the GJC leading to the Homecoming in March, 2013. See you all on Sunday! 

See slide show for more photos.

Status Report on the Golden Jubilee Activities

Buenas dias, mis amigos!

The GJC (Golden Jubilee Committee) had its scheduled meeting during the Kapihan last Wednesday. The GJC is glad to report to you that the programs are now on stream and are in the process of being firmed up.

As you know, our GJ activities will be held over two periods of time. The first period will be from April,2012 to February 15, 2013. This will be called the Pre-Homecoming Months period. The other period is from Feb. 22, 2013 to March, 2013. This will be called the Homecoming Week Period.

The Pre-Homecoming Months have activities lined up for it. After the Taal-Excursion activity last June, the next gig for Batch63 is the SportsDay activity scheduled for August 19, Sunday.

As of today, 10 people have signed up for the SportsDay excursion. The lead person for the SportsDay event is Joey Estagle. He will be advising soon about the details of the excursion. The venue is just in Metro Manila and has a shooting range, sports courts, bar and resto (with musical instruments we can use), function rooms, and a theater-type room where Batch63 can hold a plenary meet and practice the anthem songs for the Homecoming presentation. Do join and help the cause for a better Golden Jubilee experience.

Other activities being mulled for the Pre-Homecoming period are: a golf fund raising tournament (in October); and an excursion to Nasugbu (maybe in November after the rainy season. Mari Duarte is the lead person looking at the viability of these activities.

Suggestions for other activities during the periods are welcome. Anyone can volunteer to help organize activities where the GJC will only be too willing to facilitate and assist in the work. We are still sourcing a volunteer to take care of the Despedida affair to be held right after the Homecoming presentation on March 2, 2013. We need a venue (it can be a private house) to hold this post-homecoming event.

Hasta la proxima vez y ANIMO!
Oni Mayo


PSsst. Pardon the quality of the photos. I neglected to bring my camera during the Kapihan and had to settle for my cheap cell phone's photo feature. heh heh.


See slide show for more photos.

 

Whee! It's Batch63 Jubilee time!

Good morning Batch63 Amigos!

The GJC (Golden Jubilee Committee) is pleased to announce the plans for the Homecoming Week events in 2013. In a meeting at the Last Chukker resto (in Polo Club) last week, the following activities were adopted by the GJC:

A basic fee of P4,000  will be levied on participating  Jubilarian batchmates.  For the P4,000 fee,  each participant  shall be entitled to: 

• Bienvenida and Despedida dinner (inclusive of spouse if you are bringing her)

•  Stars of YesterYears Revival show presentation including dancetime afterwards (with DI's?) during the Bienvenida affair. 

• Giveaways (Jubilee shirt/s  which will be the attire for the Homecoming gathering at the DLS campus; an AVP CD featuring Batch63 Friendships; others)

We are currently in the process of raising funds to cover the other expenses of the Jubilee (including the collective effort to enjoin shy Batch63 guys to appear and join us for the Homecoming).  The extra contribution of anyone above and beyond the basic P4K is truly welcome. Prizes for raffle will also be good.   

The GJC members are tasked to collect from the Batch starting today.  Expect a call from your Batch63 friendly collector anytime soon.  Gary Salcedo is the treasurer of the project where you may also remit payments directly through him.  When you pay, please also give your shirt size that we may order this especially for you.

The pictures in the slide show below show the GJC members at work in the past weeks.  The first set of photos shows the visit to Pergola to 'survey' the facilities.  The caterer served lunch to display their stuff.  The second set of photos is the meeting at the Last Chukker.                

Til next time, ANIMO

Oni Mayo 

(GJ Coordinator)


See slide show for more photos.

Pacquiao Mania

Last Sunday morning, Oni Mayo headed for Makati to view the live feed of the Pacquiao - Bradley fight in Makati. From Ortigas Avenue, Oni's trip to Buendia in Makati took just 15 minutes. Yes, the streets were deserted since everyone in Manila was glued to their TV sets for the day. 

Earlier, Boy Carlos had issued out an invitation to Batch63 to watch the fight.  Century Properties, the real estate firm where Boy is accredited, has transformed their lobby headquarters and showroom at Pacific Star building into a venue for a PPV telecast of the Pacquiao fight. It was the firm's token of appreciation for those who had patronized their products.

Oni and Vince Misa showed up for the viewing. Oni arrived first where Boy was already at the lobby waiting for them. Vince came late since he just had to finish the Miami -Lakers NBA game he was watching.  At  the crowded lobby, a giant display of the firm's latest project was very obvious. The ongoing success of the firm in selling their condominiums is a reflection of the improving Philippine economy. According to Robby Liper - Boy's supervisor in the selling effort - most of the condominium buyers are OFWs who were not even planning to immediately use their condos. He surmised that Pinoys are channeling their resources more and more to Philippine-based investments due to the shaky investment climate of the countries they are in. 

Even as Vince was deciding how many condominiums he will buy, the main draw in the cards was announced and everyone was fixed in their viewing positions. Soon, the trio (Boy, Vince and Oni) joined the many others who were rooting for the Pacman. The venue rocked with the shouts of the crowd for each punch that Pacman threw. Grudging admiration was given by some to the durability of Bradley who mixed it up with the Pacman. 

At the end of the bout, it was confusion for the watching public. We know the results. Despite the Pacman's loss, many Pinoys typically rationalized the situation and stood by their man. Looking for a scapegoat for the loss, the crowd attacked the lunch buffet served by the host with a vengeance.  At around 2PM Manila time, the show was over for Vince, Boy and Oni who went their different ways.

Maybe Pacman lost because he had no more 'hunger' for success.  Or maybe his new found religion has 'softened' up his desire to hurt people.  Boy thought it was because Bradley refused to be put to 'sleep' by the power of Pacman.  How can someone be put to sleep when he cannot focus!  Huh?  Well, Boy's joke below explains it better: 

Crowd: Manny! Manny! Patulugin mo na! Patulugin mo na!

 Pacman: Paano kong patutulugin eh ang ingay-ingay ninyo!

See slide show for more photos.

Balikbayan Despedida

On Wednesday evening, a hasty get together for old buddies and US boys Mike Sun and Manolo Relova was organized by some Batch63 guys. The two balikbayans have been in town for sometime now and are scheduled to fly home in a few days. The dinner was held at Korean Garden in Makati – a favorite resto of Gabby Valdez who hosted the affair. Apart from Gabby, the local guys who came to the dinner were Gary Salcedo, Jack Arellano, Lito Quiogue and Oni Mayo. Wives Lucy Sun, Pam Valdez, Marilou Arellano, Nene Quiogue and Bili Mayo were also there. 

The evening was a culmination of a series of Batch63 affairs that Mike and Manolo whole-heartedly patronize given the short period that they were in town. Thought they had many things to attend to during their visit, the two joined almost all of the Kapihan breakfasts every Wednesday, and more significantly, they participated in the Golden Jubilee committee’s first project (the Taal-Tagaytay excursion) heading into the homecoming event in 2013. 

 The dinner talk was typical Batch63 – uninhibited. The funny miscues during the Taal – Tagaytay excursion were explicitly reiterated by the outspoken Manolo to the amusement of the wives. The evening was so entertaining that I forgot how hot some of the Korean stuff can be (and consequently suffered from it). The group was the last to leave the resto but not after posing for the usual group picture. To Mike, Lucy and Manolo, we then say ‘Bon Voyage’ and hope to see you more often. 

See slide show for more photos.

The Taal - Tagaytay Excursion

Golden Jubilee Initial Project

Taal   

On the last Saturday of May, Batch63 headed for Taal for the first leg of their batch excursion. Joey Estagle; Boy Carlos; Tony Estonina; Chito de Vera; Bambi Goco; Vince Misa; Francis Horn; Oni and Bili Mayo rode the rented van. Jackie and Marilou Arellano was joined in their vehicle by Mike and Lucy Sun; and Manolo Relova. 

The group got to visit several ancestral houses in Taal (the Agoncillo, Villavicencio and Ilagan houses). Most of the houses are vintage 1850s that still displayed most of the best interior appointments of those days. (fine wood carvings and panels, Machuca cement floor tiles, graceful grills of ventanillas, tin ceilings with embossed design, hand-painted leather wall covering, old photos, etc.).

The Ilagan house has also been turned into a camera and photo museum to the delight of camera buff Joey Estagle. The claim is that all the cameras – ancient or otherwise - are in working order. An interesting photo displayed on the walls of the gallery is an actual scene of the execution of Jose Rizal. (From an original photo found by a Filipino historian in a French curio shop decades ago).

The Taal Basilica (now mostly restored) and its predecessor, the 16th century Caysasay Church, were evidence of the great history of the town. The respite during the tour was the buffet lunch at the Don Juan resto that feature genuine Batangas cuisine. Probably due to a missed breakfast on account of the early trip, the hungry batch cleaned up the buffet in good time.

Leave it to Manolo Relova to provide the impromptu entertainment.  During the visit to the Taal Basilica, there was an ongoing wedding to be.  The bride was standing alone in the aisle when Manolo cheekily approached her to praise her beauty.  In the process he whispered if he could have her cellphone number.  This must have made the bride cry for she was seen wiping her eyes!  During lunch, Manolo also tried to get Boy Carlos to marry the young waitress serving the group. Of course everyone had their raunchy quip about the prospect. The scene was so raucous that it led one of the wives to say that every time Batch63 gets together, they become like little boys!

Tagaytay 

After the Taal tour, the batch headed for nearby Tagaytay to visit Gabby’s hideaway in that notable breezy City. Some of the guys who did not participate in the Taal tour had actually gone straight to Gabby’s house. These guys were Ramon Arnaiz, Mari Duarte, Lito Domantay, Gary Salcedo and Jimmy Estrella. The main batch of excursionists arrived in Tagaytay from Taal at around 4PM. 

As one drives into this large Valdez compound, the first building visible on one side is the huge garage that houses Gabby’s more than a dozen car collection. The garage is really also a motor shop (for tinkering with the vintage cars).  The car lift inside is proof of this.  Stepping into the entrance hall, the literally open walls of the house reveal a landscaped panorama of the main yard which is most of the land area of the 5,000 sqm. compound. Gabby is a botany enthusiast of late and which work he took to task when he created the verdant yard. For a new yard, the large trees there were quite impressive to see. 

 In tandem with the spacious garden, the main house is an entertainment space par excellence. Was it Boy who said that it could give the Folk Arts Center a run for the money? Whatever, the shameless Batch63 guys made it their own.  Jimmy and Lito D brought out their groovy professional guitars and led the music fest for anyone who thinks they could sing. The others enjoyed the pica-pica and flowing drinks while relaxing in the many seating places in the place. Gabby and Pam Valdez were such gracious hosts that the unabashed Batch63 guys were already “imposing” on Gabby what batch party they could hold there next time.

Suma total 

The places visited that Saturday provided a really great experience for the Batch.  The trip was made even more memorable by the company that was there. The heritage of Taal was quite informative for many. It also provided a window on how other towns can develop their tourism (and economy) if they put their minds to it. Interesting outlooks (and wit) were obtained from the new guys who we don’t see enough off in past events (Chito, Manolo, Mike, Tony). The generosity of Gabby and Pam for sharing their home with the group speaks well of the brotherhood that is Batch63. In behalf of the batch, thanks again Gabby for inviting us to your vacation house.  

 This outing turned out so enjoyable despite the tiring pace of the trip and summer heat. I dare to say that it rivals the other fun excursion of the Batch in Baguio some years ago. If only because of this, the GJ committee is planning on more activities in the coming months where more Batch63 guys are expected to participate. 

Below is the slide show of the photos during the excursion.  About half of the pictures shown there are from the camera of Joey Estagle.  Animo! 

See slide show for more photos.