One Grand Reunion Show

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For DLS Batch59/63 it was one more successful project! Of course, I’m talking about the Show of Shows – the Stars of Yesteryears extravaganza. As early as 3PM on that Saturday show date, Baby Angeles, Joey Zamora, Oni Mayo, Vince Misa and Manolo Relova were in the 7^th Note Music Bar to run through their numbers with the live band. By 8PM, the 7^th Note was filled with Batch63 stalwarts and their wives and friends.

First up in the show was the Homecoming Video premiere. The Homecoming Video was prepared as Batch59/63’s contribution to the forthcoming DLS Alumni Homecoming event on March 7 in La Salle Taft. The Video showcases The Story of Us – the book project of the Batch done several years ago that chronicled the journey of La Salle Taft boys (essentially Batch63) through life. The video ended with a presentation of the logos of the many La Salle branches in the Philippines accompanied by the Hail One La Salle song. The Hail song is an original composition initiated by the Batch for the Homecoming event.

Right after the video premier presentation, it was Showtime at 7^th Note! The performers were: Jack Jones (Vince); Matt Monroe (Oni; a replacement of Boy Lumba who cancelled his trip home hopefully not due to stage fright); Cliff Richard (Joey Zamora); and Frank Sinatra (Manny Relova; a replacement of Mari Vargas who backed out when he lost his voice probably trying to rehearse his song); and the Everly Brothers (Lito Domantay and Baby Angeles). That was not the end of the show as Bert Saenz’s turn came. He sang a hot Tagalog R&B duet with Suzie (a young crooner) to the delight of the crowd. The piece de resistance was reserved for last and that was Elvis (Joey Estagle). Elvis came prancing on stage clad in cape and rhinestone encrusted white body suit that brought the house down! Through all these, Batch63 enjoyed the fare for the night consisting of Wagyu Steak (that suspiciously looked like pork chop) and Peking Duck (that looked like chicken!).

Baby Alvarez and Tonichi Grey (substituting for Bert Saenz who came in very late) did a yeoman’s job of emceeing. The Dolphy and Panchito -like tandem played to the crowd. Baby was all aplomb with his witty Spanish and Pilipino quips while Tonichi was a wild man bursting into uninhibited exclamations and moves when he gets excited. After the entertaining show, the promised all-night dancing became a reality. Despite the tight dance floor space, Batch63 and their friends showed how it was to enjoy! The shortage of female partners did not deter the shameless Batch as they convinced guests and including 7^th Note waitresses to rock with them on the dance floor.

For this memorable chapter in Batch63’s existence, let us once again acknowledge the role of the sponsors who made the milestone show possible. Despite the economic downturn, these guys – all acknowledged top class businessmen in their own right - financially supported the project without hesitation. Together with the imagination, persistence and patience of the organizers (the handful who actively pushed for the project), it just goes to show that with faith in our abilities and a positive outlook, Batch63 can do anything it wants to do. In the words of Babes Alvarez, let's do this every year! Until the next project then mi companeros, Animo La Salle