DLS 2010 Homecoming

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As always, Batch63 supported the school homecoming event with gusto. The first batch to arrive at the Taft homecoming site were Vince Misa, Joe Assad, Raffy Villareal, Tonichi Grey, Manolo Relova, Joey Estagle and Oni Mayo. The second batch who joined the first batch around the reserved table consisted of Patrick Go (accompanied by Ramon Mojica DLS College 67), Joey Ingles, Tony Estonina, Bert Saenz and Boy Carlos. Noteworthy to mention is Bro. Ray Suplido who left the brothers’ table to join his Batch63 classmates. It was entertaining to see La Salle old campus personalities milling about the hall. What perked up the affair was the sight of promo girls going from table to table and offering free taste (of their products, gago!). Batch63 bachelors Boy Carlos and Joey Ingles (plus the batch's bachelor wannabes) clearly took advantage of the situation by having photo ops with the pretty young things.

The eats (including the now traditional roasted calf) were good. Vodka and wine were for sampling and sodas were a plenty. Manila school head honcho Bro. Armin Luistro was hard pressed to greet the many guests who all had something to say to him. The celebrating batch (50 years DLS Grade School) came in force and were looking distinguished with their white hair (for those who still had hair) and uniform DLS polo shirts. The personalities seen walking around the hall included Gibo Teodoro (and wife Niki) who took the opportunity to make his political appeal to the La Salle body.

A lot of school mates from other years dropped by the table to say hello to Batch63 friends. You can see the years on Domeng Sevillano’s face but I would say he retained his aplomb as La Salle’s NCAA basketball star in the 60s. Dong “Elvis” Guinto brought his 7th Note Elvis show to the homecoming to the delight of the Seniors. As expected Tonichi ably represented Batch63 in the dancing. With a young pretty as dance partner, Tonichi responded with typical wiggling hips, flailing arms, shaking legs and bobbing shoulders once the electric ‘hound dog’ and ‘jailhouse rock’ numbers kicked in.

Following tradition, Batch63 extended the night event with a foray into Justine’s later. As everyone knows, Justine’s is Ed Oleta’s watering hole in Vito Cruz. At Justine's the group continued to take in more drinks and even engaged in karaoke singing onstage. When the group arrived at Justine’s after the homecoming, Polding Arnaiz was already there. He was wearing his La Salle shirt but everyone knows that he didn’t make the homecoming at the campus . . so what gives?

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March Celebrants Atbp

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A lot of Batch63 guys are celebrating their birthdays in March, (and thereabouts.) These March-born Batch63 guys (assembled by birthday coordinator Vince Misa shown in photo holding on to the cash contributions of the celebrants) who participated in the grand blowout today are Joe Assad, Ed Lim, Alex Ledesma, Arthur Antonino and Joey Ingles. Those who couldn’t make it to the party (due to important reasons) but nevertheless are pleased to participate in the blowout for the Batch are Jimmy Ortigas and Victor Sy. In behalf of the Batch then, happy birthday March celebrants, and here’s wishing you’al a meaningful and exciting year ahead.

Because of the excitement of seeing each other again (with free breakfast), this Grand Birthday event truly attracted a menagerie of all sorts of characters. The motley group of guys who came to grace the occasion consisted of Batch63 infamous personalities. The Dirty Dozen (including Ed Oleta and Tony Estonina) was there in force. Some of the Retarded (and semi-retarded) Old Guard (‘retired’ old guard?) seldom seen at the Kapihan came this time (Ned Bulatao, Boy Charles, Quito Moras, George Cunanan, etc). The Mad Scientists are also nice to see (Joey England for herbal and Bambi Goco for culinary). And then, there were the Eclectic Execs (notably Rafi Villareal, Polding Arnaiz, Boy Palanca, etc. on this day) in their crisp business attire (who managed to attend the Kapihan before trudging back to their respective salt mines).

And let's not forget the American Balikbayans. An unusually large group came this first quarter (for post Christmas holidays and DLS Homecoming). The locals were pleased to again see Tonichi Grey and Manolo Relova (Elvis and Frank Sinatra wannabes respectively) at the Kapihan. Victor Sy and Joey Zamora (still Section A nerds?) came in February, but stretching their stay up to the homecoming was too much to ask from them. In fairness, Victor Sy made at least a couple of Kapihans on this visit. Joey was escort to his wife and he needed to juggle his time between the Kapihan gang and his college buddies (DLS college 67 Ramon Mojica and Ben Umali) who treated him out at Shangrila Mall before he left for home.
























The Willow Root conversation was so animated and clearly coming from all quarters. Hence, this Blog is hard-pressed to present the amusing shenanigans of the guys over the breakfast table. If it's any indication of the zest of the group, it was past Kapihan (breakfast) time but many were still seen enjoying their coffee and conversation. Since the Willow Root had to be prepared by the waiters for the lunch crowd, the group finally had to say goodbye to each other. But I spoke too early - with the incorrigible Tonichi in town, good time is never over. You guess it, from Willow Root the DD in the Batch headed for the Manila Polo Bar (at the top of the stairs) even after the others had left. Poor Ned B got himself trapped in the company of this DD group and where in true form, Tonichi gave him a hard time in the bar about being part of Section A. Ned whined that it's unfair to pressure Section A guys especially about possibly being 'underperforming assets' of the economy. To this Tonichi stammered: " Under . . what . . assets?" - clearly struggling with the five syllable word blurted out by the erstwhile La Sallian editor.

On a serious note here’s somber news. It was mentioned earlier that Jimmy O did not make the Grand Kapihan where he is a celebrant. We all know that Jimmy is a reliable supporter of Batch63 who can be counted on. Thus, it was unusual for him not to show up. Later, the reason for his default became clear when we received text news from Bert Saenz just this morning: Jimmy’s Dad, Don Arturo Ortigas passed away just recently. Don Arturo was an original exec of the Ortigas Company and was himself a La Salle prewar alum and sportsman. Jimmy was busy with the final day ritual preparation for the funeral of his father. Batch63 sincerely wish to condole with Jimmy and his family in his hour of grief.

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Buena Mano Kids

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The Grand Kapihan January birthdays celebration is fittingly the year-starting event for Batch63. JBC (joint birthday celebrations) organizer Vince Misa went to work and assembled together birthday guys Tony Estonina, Mandy Ilustre, Tito Lucero, Ed Oleta and Oni Mayo to host the event.

At the start, the atmosphere in Willow Root restaurant was civilized. As Batch63 guys proceed to arrive and grow in number, the din in the long table increased proportionately. The guys were ultimately emphatically discussing life among many subjects with each other. Mandy Ilustre cited Jack Arellano across the table for not acknowledging him when he saw him once in a public place. Jack shot back: “Baka hindi ka mukhang mayaman noon!”

Gabby Valdes was seen talking to Tito Lucero and making a pitch for the impending Feb 19 Batch63 party. As everyone knows, the widowed Tito lives a very exciting life. Gabby spoke in jest that Tito’s partner to the party will likely distinguish herself from the other wives who were “matatanda na!” Tito shot back: “Bakit, matanda na rin ang partner ko - 22 na!”

It was good to see rare birds Ed Lim, Francis Horn, Poldy Arnaiz and Boy Charles again. In a way, Quito Moras has become a rare bird of sorts ever since he concentrated his activities in far Alabang. Ramon Arnaiz might have made it since it’s also his birthday month but Vince said Ramon begged off for this occasion. Poldy Arnaiz conjectured that it is not likely that his cousin is experiencing financial problems nowadays that he can not afford his share of the joint birthday cost. (Ramon, this is what you get for being absent!)

Oh well - another day, another corn of a Blog. Feliz compleanos a todo Enero celebrantes!

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Batch63 Post Valentine Gig

February is Valentine month. Hence, the indefatigable lover boys of Batch63 found yet another reason to cook up another suitable event. Following the success of the swinging birthday party at Gabby's house last year, a Post-valentine party is today being posed for the Batch.

The party is slated for February 19, a Friday, at the house of Gabby and Pam in Forbes. It would be a good opportunity for Batch63 husbands to date their better halves especially if they miss going out on the 14th. We all know how difficult it is to find a date place in Metro Manila every Valentine's day. Pinoys are really such ardent lovers.

For this event, the Batch63 impromptu organizers are the Kapihan regulars. The project task force notably consist of Gabby, Bambi, Vince, Jack and Oni. The gig will be a cookout that Bambi will orchestrate in Gabby's digs. Jack and Oni are tasked to help bring in the crowd. Because of his experience with the joint birthday affairs, Vince will likely be the bag man if he accepts. A nominal amount or damage is being contemplated to help fund the gig, you know.

Immediately, there are at least five Batch63 couples who are already committed to the gig. Frankly, the task force is aiming to secure another 5 couples or 10 people in addition to the original 5 pairs (making a fun crowd of 20) to make the Batch63 gig happen. In the spirit of camaraderie we are requesting our Batch63 friends to Email their availability and interest in this planned gig.

You can place your RSVP with Gabby (gasv_711@yahoo.com), Jack's mobile (0917 898 9950) or yours truly in this Blog. This is necessary for the party preparations. There will be surprises. Chef Bambi promises culinary gourmet delights and Gabby will supply the red hot music and drinks (?). There will be Balikbayan Batch63 friends in town then who will join the party. Please come to welcome them.

HK Holiday

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Christmas was for the home so most celebrated it in their homes in Manila. However, the post Christmas holidays (up to New Year) saw some Batch63 guys head for cooler climes. Due to the traditional post Christmas excursion of my in-law’s family, I was in HK for less than a week starting the 26th.

It was then that I got Gabby Valdez’s text asking me where I’m booked. Gabby is in HK as well with his family. For Gabby and Pam, it is known that HK may well be an extension of Metro Manila. They are there several times a year due to business and other things.

Gabby was trying to get a Batch63 meeting on in the former Crown colony. It seems that Jack Arellano and Arthur Antonino were also there at that time. And so we met up and had coffee in Dan Ryan’s (which Gabby claims serves the best coffee in town). Unfortunately, Arthur was leaving for home shortly and couldn’t make it. Meanwhile Jack just arrived in HK with Marilou but he was on the other side of town and couldn’t make it that day.

After coffee, Gabby and I walked around Ocean Terminal and did some shopping in a Sports store. I was able to get a first class high-tech tennis wrist support while Gabby found a cool (literally) exercise pants. No, Gabby was not going to use it for exercise. Gabby said he likes the pants material and will use it for sleeping. Considering that I have 3 types of wrist support at home, it was indeed impulse buying in the best sense of the word for us.

I had to leave for home that evening but not before discussing with Gabby the potential of having a fun tour with the other Batch63 guys next time. If some of the guys think this is a viable project, please get in touch with Gabby. Also, Polding Arnaiz - you being in the travel business - are you listening?

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