Grand Kapihan December 2015 Birthday Boys

Vince Misa's Grand Kapihan extravaganza lives on. Last Wednesday, the Grand K was for the December birthday celebrants. Of several celebrants identified by Vince, only Jimmy Gonzales and Eboy Cosme made it to the event. Despite the typhoon notification by Government that day, a good number of Batch63 guys attended the festivity. These were: [Kneeling] Tony, Joey Estagle, Gary, Vic Corpus, Jackie, Mandy; [stranding center] Bro. Ray, Eboy, Ed Lim,  Flor, Jimmie; [standing left], Gabby, George, Quito, Joey Ingles, Manolo Relova.; [standing right] Francis, Ed Oleta, Onie, Vince. Joey Angeles was present too but had to leave early.  

A special feature of the party at Polo Club was the presence of Flor, Wally de Leon's widow. About two weeks before Wally passed away (from heart failure), the Batch had taken up a collection for Wally's prospective medical expenses. When Wally died, Flor felt that she needed to address the group on two matters: 1) she wanted to thank the Batch for the generous financial support; and 2) she wanted to explain where the funds were used (for the wake and crypt expenses). Flor's impassioned declaration was received well by the usually stoic Batch63. To Flor thus, and in behalf of the Batch, we wish to say you are welcome and thank you for taking care of our Wally. 

Effectively, the event was also the Batch's 2015 Christmas party. It was filled with light moments, fond memories and updating on DLS stuff. The light moments involved the censor-prone banter and conspicuous behavior of the Batch. This is why this Blog is called Menagerie (i.e. a grouping of wild animals!). The fond memories on the other hand mainly recalled Wally who was a childhood classmate. 

During the proceedings, DLSU's new President, Batch63's Bro. Ray, was placed on the hot seat. The Batch pestered him no end about La Salle's new sports program. Like all La Sallites, the school's elimination in this past UAAP season does not sit well with Batch63. Considering its new coach, Bro. Ray painted a hopeful picture for this next basketball season. But basketball was not the only sport in the minds of the Batch.. Bro. Ray had to respond as well on the activities and prospects of the De La Salle women's volleyball. For us to compete with the likes of Ateneo with its formidable volleyball team, it is clear that we will require a line up that is "pretty good". But then again if we must lose, a team that is just plain "pretty" - period - will suffice! 

Meanwhile, thanks to Joey Estagle for the clear photos in this edition. His SLR is certainly showing pics way better than anything my cellphone camera can provide.  Merry Christmas everyone! 

Onimayo

See slide show for more photos.

Baguio Trip

The Kapihan guys finally embarked for their Baguio City jaunt on the second weekend of December. It was a 2-night/ 3-day weekend excursion planned out at Italiani's (Makati Greenbelt). The pairs were: Jackie Arellano & Marilou, Manolo Relova & Coco, Lito Quiogue & Nene, Raffy Yupangco & Jovy, Onie Mayo & Billie and the father-son tandem of Polding Arnaiz & Anton. The singles were: Gabby Valdes, Gary Salcedo and Jimmy Estrella. 

The group stayed at Baguio Country Club where they met other DLS guys by chance. Butch Valdez (HS 64) was there with his family for the wedding of a son; Humpty Golamco (HS 61) was on vacation with his wife. This made the group even larger especially during meal times at the Veranda. The traffic in Baguio's city proper areas made the group opt to spend most of their time in the Club. The club had enough amenities to satisfy this option.

So what did the group do, you may ask?  Well,  Well for one, what they did NOT do was to play golf. This sporting activity that would have mitigated the calories from all that food intake, was ingloriously shelved.  Meeting at the restaurant for the tee-off early the next morning, the golfers found all kinds of reasons not to take to the fairway.  After their heavy breakfast, the thought of walking the fairways was not too appealing to the Seniors.  The golfers thus sheepishly agreed to instead just stay put (some with beer in hand). Some did go out shopping (to the Good Shepherd store at the insistence of the wives).  Most settled down to enjoy the nearby places, the fine food if not their comfortable rooms.

Onie wanted some exercise, but his planned tennis activity came to naught.  In Baguio, he found out that the tennis court at the club had been converted into a function room. Club members Gabby and Jackie (who should know that there was no more tennis court facility) were the ones who urged him to lug bulky tennis equipment to Baguio. They were the first one to laugh at his plight too.  Ang babait talaga!  Good thing, there was another option. Onie joined Manolo instead at the Club swimming pool for at least an hour of exercise. Ah, that clean pool and warm water was good! 

The car rides for the event were memorable as well. The group went up caravan style in Jackie's Carnival, Raffy's M150, Lito's Toyota and Polding's SUV. Off course, there was the usual pit stop and eats in Pampanga. I understand that it is standard service for Raffy to have a driver, a valet and all kinds of supplies when he and Jovy goes on trips.  Probably because of all the weight in his van, Raffy's large M150 blew a tire at the entrance to the SCTEX. The car buffs (Gabby,Jackie, Polding, Lito) in the group made their technical analysis and posed theories why that happened. And what did Raffy who was the van owner think? He was unperturbed.  He was actually surprised to know that tires do have expiry dates and can actually blow up. Why,  his tires were just changed in 2007!  It's the fault of his driver!

In ending, thanks to Jovy Yupangco for the artistic photo collage above.  It was a fun trip and now the group is looking forward to their proposed Dumaguete-Bacolod excursion in January. 

Onimayo

See slide show for more photos.

Wally de Leon, RIP

At 3 PM on a Wednesday, the middle of the working week, Batch 63 guys gathered at Loyola Memorial Chapels in Guadalupe Makati. Jackie Arellano sent out a text about the demise of a Wally de Leon. He said that we can pay our last respects there for a fallen comrade. 

Those who came were: Quito Moras, Ed Lim, Bambi Goco, Ned Bulatao, Art Alvendia, Joey Estagle, Vic Corpus and Onie Mayo. Mon Mojica (DLS College 68) is Wally's relative and was also there. The group offered their condolence to Flor.  Flor is Wally's partner who was in touch with Batch63 all through Wally's ordeal, Of course there was Wally's family (the de Leon- Tobias family of Sta. Cruz, Laguna) including a son who came all the way from Paris where he is staying. 

The mass was slated at 5PM (just before cremation). This is the height of Metro Manila traffic and so the priest was very late in coming. And Jackie who sent out his text blaster and who promised to meet the guys at the wake? We are guessing that he was probably caught in traffic too.  He wasn't there still when the Batch guys had to leave already.

For the 40th day ritual, Joey Estagle offered Flor the support of Batch63. Expect a message from Joey soon about this. By the way, the photos herein are Joey's photos.

See slide show for more photos.

Bagac Haven

Last Saturday a group of Batch63 diehards went for an excursion. The place is the Valdes resort estate immediately beside the famous Montemar Resort in Bagac, Bataan. And what a place it was! Starting from its decorative metal gate along the road, the estate stretched out over undulating landscaped areas of the grounds up to the cliff edge overlooking scenic Bagac Bay. The estate's road system impressively leads down to a clean sandy private beach below the cliff. That day, a gentle surf (good enough for amateur surfers I would say) lapped the shoreline. We were told that surf is usually calmer depending on the season.

Gabi and Pam Valdez played gracious host to the group. The scenic Mediterranean style villa in the estate (built by Gabi's dad long ago) is spacious, rustic and comfortable (airconditioned). Lunch was a sumptuous collection of different salads concocted by Pam and the family's Estate's resident cook. Fresh seafood of crabs, prawns and fish from Bataan ponds and tasty soup and kakanin from the region completed the satisfying fare. The Batch63 guys who visited were Jaki Arellano and Marilou, Lito Quiogue and Nene, Oni Mayo and Bili, Bambi Goco and Polding Arnaiz.

Particularly for its landscaping requirement, Gabi and Pam have done an impressive job in tending the estate. The clean paved roads, manicured lawns, clustered plants and healthy large original trees in the estate would put many a commercial resort to shame. It is evident that the Valdes's are now in the process of rehabilitating the few components of the house needing repair. The hearty lunch meal and the overall ambiance of the place was so relaxing that some of the guys feel that they wouldn't mind settling down for a nap - or shamelessly, even staying overnight.        

The early morning trip to Bagac had the group riding in Jaki's F150 van. Going there was ok. Coming home at peak hour 7pm traffic was something else. The log jam upon entering Metro Manila (that we hoped would not be as bad) was bad. Despite the usual bellyaching in the van regarding the traffic, it was a fun trip if only because of the company. Champion bellyacher was Polding who complained about the aircon draft on his head (Polding wore his parka hood for parts of the trip). For Polding, it was Jaki's fault for not having a more balanced aircon service in his van. And then the bad traffic experience, whose fault was it?  Must be Gabi's fault for inviting us to Bagac. 

The event was so successful that the group is now mulling a next one - a European river cruise maybe next year? For those interested sign up now. Before closing, thanks to Gabi and Pam for an awesome time once again and sorry na lang to those who backed out of the trip. 

Onimayo


See slide show for more photos.

Monday Cafe’

As previously announced, Batch63’s regular weekly kapihan is now lodged in a new location. The place is a resto called Italianni’s at Greenbelt 3 (just across AIM). The presence of the mall parking facility right beside the resto makes it very convenient to access (see photo above).

The Batch63 regulars are: Gabby Valdes, Poldy Arnaiz, Jack Arellano, Lito Quiogue, Ed Lim, Manny Relova and Oni Mayo. The balikbayans who are committed to this 7am Monday protocol when they are in town are Gary Salcedo and Bobby Dee. Recently, other DLSC guys who have joined the group on more than one occasion are Raffy Yupangco and Sonny Juico. This is not to speak of other La Salle guys who are usually there on Mondays with their respective groups.  The guys are Errol Perez, Boy Cantada and even Ramon Marcos who was probably more than a decade ahead of us in Taft. 

The acceptability of Italianni’s to the Batch has been growing since the group started going there over the last couple of months. (See slide show for photos during the last session) It turns out that the resto is a popular breakfast place for many groups. Despite the presence of other customers though, Batch63 remains uninhibited. Clearly, there is no holding back Batch63 with their conversation and actions. The self-deprecating, mock-bragging and DOM-flirting actuations continue on for Batch63 in this new place. Having gotten to know the indulgent pretty waitresses there for a while now, it seems that the regular Kapihan shall be in Italianni’s to stay.

Italianni’s was decided on after consultation with Kapihan’s weekly regulars. Being in the heart of Legaspi Village, the place is conveniently accessible for those who work /live around the area. After years of eating buffet at Cameron Forbes (Polo Club), the Italianni's food is a pleasant change.  More importantly, Italianni’s has a discount incentive card offered to patrons. The usual Senior card discount coupled with the Italianni card discount (with unlimited coffee) then brings the total discount to about 40% on the order. 

Let me ask you then, is Italianni’s a good place for Batch63 or what?  See you there soon hopefully.

See slide show for more photos.

Throw Off the Bowlines, Sail Away From the Safe Harbour.

By : Lito Quiogue 5/2015 

Last week, a bunch of HS63 wanderlusts "threw off the bowlines and sailed away from the safe harbor". This describes in brief the group's special trip to the City of Iloilo. This trip was upon the invitation of Alex Ledesma to visit his hometown following a memorable trip to Roxas City (Jon Arcenas’ turf) by Batch 63 earlier this year . The intrepid DLS adventurers were: Jackie Arellano, Polding Arnaiz, Steve Honteveros, Manolo Relova, Lito Quiogue, Gary Salcedo and Sonny Juico (HS’61). Except for Polding and Steve, the rest were accompanied by their respective wives. We were twelve pax in all. 

Day 1. From Iloilo International Airport Alex took us to lunch to savor various Ilonggo seafood delicacies. Aboard a Coaster and an SUV we then hopped onto a ro-ro ship for a tour of the neighboring island of Guimaras, (famous for its sweet mangoes, islets and pristine beaches). Landing in Guimaras, it was nearly dark by the time we reached our hotel, La Puerta El Paraiso. Fagged out from the trip, we quickly settled down for the night after a hearty dinner. In the morning we opened our curtains and were pleasantly surprised at what we saw.  We found out that our cottages were actually just a few steps away  from the beach (we didn't realize this in the dark). 

Day 2. After a hasty breakfast we boarded a motor launch to visit a marine research and breeding facility in one of the islets around the island. It was like Nat Geo “live” as we saw up-close several abnormally large species of fishes and various specimens of marine life. Back in the main Guimaras island we visited several tourist attractions such as the Trappist Monastery, Guimaras Trade Fair and Neptune Garden (where we had lunch). Of course no one leaves the island without tasting and taking home the island’s primary export, sweet and luscious carabao mangoes! After a while, we sailed back to the Iloilo mainland, There, we checked-in at a luxury hotel located in a new section of the city.  This area was bustling with malls and restaurants including a commercial esplanade along the river. 

Day 3. In the morning we motored to several nearby towns whose well preserved limestone churches were built during the Spanish colonial era. Apart from the ancient churches we also had a pleasant ride along the coast. In downtown Iloilo we were delighted at the cleanliness of the streets and business establishments and the orderly conduct of cars and pedestrians. Our tour guide (c/o Alex) brought us to several places which boast of opulent and magnificent mansions owned by Iloilo’s old rich and famous. Not to be missed in our itinerary were the various shops selling Iloilo’s famous delicacies and bakery products. After a well spent day we proceeded to the area near our hotel. It’s a mixed-use residential-business project with the modern Ayala Land mall at the forefront. The penultimate event of our trip that night was Alex’s blow-out in a chic restaurant. 

Day 4. Began with the routine of packing our clothes and pasalubongs for our afternoon flight back to Manila. After breakfast, Alex brought us to the City Museum and Provincial Capitol with its roof deck where a panoramic view of the city can be experienced. Touring other places of interest allowed us to witness the contrasting change from the old to the new in the city’s road to progress. The best is yet to come. Back in Ayala’s Avida site, we had lunch in Netong’s restaurant where we tasted the original La Paz Bachoy, “the pride of Iloilo”.    It was the ultimate Ilonggo experience for all. Enroute to the airport, our last stop was to see the condominium project Alex recently built.  The building project was  intended for students and employees of several schools and hospitals that abound in the vicinity. It has modern amenities, is spacious and is practical in design and layout. 

Kudos to Alex who with a couple of his staff put together our itinerary.  They also provided our transportation and serviced our hotel booking. We expect Alex enjoyed the tour time as well considering the clowning-around and the idiosyncrasy of each member. The presence of wives was a natural call to discipline and order for the group and which partly restrained the otherwise wild outspoken boys from of HS’63. 

In retrospect we found ourselves amazed at Iloilo’s transformation. Starting with our landing, Iloilo International Airport is modern (by local standards), clean and staffed with friendly personnel. Roads are first class - many of them having been upgraded. Restaurants are a-plenty and packed with diners. Food is superb and inexpensive. It was indeed another memorable relief from Manila’s polluted and fast-pace environment.

See slide show for more photos.

March 2015 Grand Kapihan

The set tables for the Batch63 Kapihan at the Cameron Forbes room had to be increased.  Vince Misa's Grand Kapihan 'baby' has proven to be another resounding success again.  Balikbayans Boy Lumba, Manny Relova and Tonichi Grey were surprise guests.  In the past, Br. Ray Suplido had always been there in 'spirit' but this time he with the Batch in the 'flesh'.  The other guys who came were:  Joey Estagle, Jack Arellano, Ed Oleta, Vince Misa, Tony Estonina, Steve Hontiveros, Bambi Goco, Eboy Cosme, George Cunanan, Boy Nazareno (celebrant), Quito Moras, Joe Assad (celebrant), Raffy Villarreal, Gary Salcedo, Francis Horn, Patrick Go, Alex Ledesma (celebrant), Poldy Arnaiz, Gabby Valdez, Chito de Vera, Baby Alvarez, Bert Saenz, Ed Lim (celebrant), Joey Angeles, Vic Romero, Vic Corpus, Lito Quiogue and Onimayo.  Jimmy Ortigas is also a celebrant who sent in his contribution but was not able to make it.

As we know, Br. Ray is the incoming Prexy of La Salle's banner school, the Taft school.  He is the guest of honor at this Kapihan where he asked the Batch for prayers and moral support for his new trying work ahead. After the short speech of Br. Ray, there were comments from the audience. Polding exclaimed that with Br. Ray as DLSU president, maybe Chito and Jackie can now have a graduation diploma.   The group is definitely proud of the accomplishment of the Brother and asked if he is open to the Batch visiting him in the campus once he is installed.  Br. Ray said that definitely he would invite the Batch to the President's office then.  Not leaving a good thing to be, Gabby had the last word.  He said that the group would however only come if the breakfast, like the Kapihan, is free.  


See slide show for more photos.

Arcenas Territory

For three (mainly) sunny days in February, eight guys from Batch63 visited Roxas City in Capiz.  The guys were:  Vic Romero, Polding Arnaiz, Bambi Goco, Gary Salcedo, Tony Estonina, Steve Hontiveros, Oni Mayo and Lito Quiogue.  Jon Arcenas was the graceful host who pampered the octet no end.  Eboy Cosme had his plane ticket for the excursion but he backed out at the last minute due to a family requirement.

The soujourn was a great success.  (It helps that Batch63 guys are tolerant of each others eccentricities.) Imagine fresh seafoods morning, noon and night.  Jon outdid himself when he provided unlimited servings of crabs, prawns, shrimps, bangus, other fishes, pusit, fresh vegetables and fruits, all kinds of suman and clear sinigang soup for the batch everyday.  In complement, Gary and Vic took it upon themselves to obtain bottles of Johnny Walker from the mall.  This libation was to be the order of the night for some in the group after each gastronomic dinner feast. 

By big city standards, Roxas City proper is a small urban center but which nevertheless is complete with malls, spas, restaurant and retail.  Specially in the new town area containing Robinson Mall, seemingly first class modern subdivisions are quickly rising.  But the real resource of the city is its marine pond production areas.  Because of its geological land surface formation, much of Capiz is fronted by expansive marshlands that is ideal for turning into production ponds.

And Jon Arcenas is in the center of this local production activity.   On Day 2, Jon brought the group by car first, then by boat, to "Tinagong Dagat" - a 30,000 hectare marshland expanse within a cove that contains a large portion of the city's production ponds.  Years ago, Jon had  the foresight to acquire a hundred hectares of the marsh where he now grows bangus, crabs and prawns.  Jon's operation is vertically integrated since he has his own hatchery for prawn fries in the city. His hatchery is located along the beach just back of La Patria Resort Hotel (owned by Jon) where the group stayed.

On the third day, Jon brought the group to Olotayon Island which is a 30 minute boat ride from Roxas City mainland.  This island with its 1000 population is effectively one of Jon's political bailiwick.  Vic, Gary, Tony and Oni went swimming by the coast if only to have bragging rights that they have now swum in the Visayan Seas.  Olotayon was one of those barangays ravaged by Typhoon Yolanda.  An interesting development for witnessing in this remote island is the generosity of international NGOs. Housing facility donations  from international NGOs (IOM, UN for Humanity Canada and Japan Aid were observed in the island. 

The trip was not all about feasting, goofing and boating.  The group visited scenic Heritage churches as well.  Because of this, the trip not only made for fine bonding, fun and macho stories, but it was informative and educational as well.   In behalf of the group, we wish Jon and family a heartfelt  muchas gracias  for everything (sunburn, hangover  and elevated cholesterol included).  We are not forgetting the huge mother prawns (gift of Jon from the hatchery) and king crabs that the group took home to Manila.

Sa mauulit, amigo!

See Slide Shows for Photos

Day 1 (Friday)

Day 2 (Saturday)

Day 3 (Sunday)

Big Seven Party

The Big Seven is a milestone event.  At least this is what Bili insists on.  And so, it came to past that some of the Batch got together at Oni's house in Greenmeadows.  When Oni turned 60 a decade ago, he threw a party devoted to  Batch63 friends.  Today, it's one party for all his family and friends.  Hence, only a handful of Batch friends were present.  These were mainly the regulars of the Polo Kapihan who Oni sees every week.  

Present at the party from the Kapihan group were Poldy Arnaiz,  Lito and Nene Quiogue, Jack and Marilou Arellano, Gabby and Pam Valdez.  Alex Ledesma  spends his time between the US, Iloilo and Manila.  Luckily he was here that day. Some Batchmates who are Oni's neighbors in Greenmeadows Joey Campos (with wife Erlynn) and Bambi Goco were also there.   (Bambi gave up a Michael Buble ticket for that night to be with the Batch).

It was a musical evening where some of Oni's talented friends sang for the guests.  Oni wishes to thank his childhood friends who were their for their good wishes and gifts.



See slide show for more photos.