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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