Supporting the Team

They did it again. On a Wednesday afternoon, Six Batch63 guys headed for the Flying V Arena in San Juan to cheer for DLSU's Lady Spikers (matched up that day against the strong NU volleyball team). 

The guys actually met at the Grand Kapihan event in Italliani's earlier. After only a few hours break, four of the guys regrouped in Makati at 2PM so that they can go together to the Arena. The guys were Gabby Valdes, Manolo Relova, Oni Mayo and adopted Batch63 member Raffy Yupangco. The other Batch63 guys who went directly to the Arena were Steve Hontiveros and Ed Lim. 

As before the group had patron seats right behind the media panel and the players bench. The match was exciting and which had the group on the edge of their seats many times. NU's statuesque star is national player Jaja Santiago (6-4?) who led NU's fightback in the second set of the match. In the end, the Lady Spikers were too consistent and who prevailed in 4 sets. 

The crowd was full of energy and was mostly a La Salle crowd, (See Video). A three year old chubby tot attired in green T-shirt in the crowd was passionately shouting her lungs out. (See video).  She drew laughter from all those nearby as she shrieked "Ate Ara! Ate Ara!" every time DLSU star Ara Galang figured in the scene. Soon, even Manny R was heard yelling vigorously "Ate Ara, Ate Ara!" 

After the match, the four guys from Makati were so hungry that they decided to treat themselves to Chinese at the Fort. At the gourmet Crystal Jade restaurant, the guys started off their dinner with the popular Siao Long Pao (dimsum with integral soup). For the main orders, Raffy's suggested his tried and tested formula:  a combination of 3 viand types; a vegetable dish; a soup bowl; and dessert.  This combination is para hindi daw bitin. That seems to work. 

As usual - before leaving the table - the guys subjected the maitre d to her choice of politico for the coming polls. This time it was Bongbong that the lady likes. Another day, another interaction with good friends;  another menu, another set of corny jokes; another venue, another place for wishful thinking;  (By wishful thinking, please observe the attached photos - did you notice that there are more photos of sweet young things than the match action itself?)  Life is full and good. 

Hasta, 

Onimayo

Click link below for the photo album of the event.  The other two are the videos as mentioned above.

Please click the link for more photos.

http://s1222.photobucket.com/user/leonmayo1/slideshow/Supporting%20the%20Team

At the Games

The Monday Kapihan group had been planning it for more than a week now. Finally, it culminated in last Saturday's trip to MOA (Mall of Asia) for the group. It was the UAAP ladies volleyball game between DLSU and UE. 

Gabby spearheaded the outing by acquiring 10 patron tickets to the game (c/o Ed Lim). The guys who came wore Green attire and were Gabby, Gary, Polding, Manny R, Raffy Y and Onie. At the MOA stadium, Boy Charles, Steve and Ed L joined the group. A surprise Batch63 guy who was at the stadium was Joey Campos. Joey was however wearing blue. As we know Joey transferred to Ateneo for College. (Joey actually came for the next game which was Ateneo vs. Adamson.) 

For most of the guys, it was their first time to either watch a DLSU ladies volleyball game or even going to MOA. The day started off for the group with a lunch at Manila Polo's Last Chukker resto. From there, they proceeded to the stadium at MOA. the guys were seated at courtside where they had a good view of all the long-legged Volleybelles and the attractive TV newscasters. 

During the game, Polding, Boy and Gary spent their energy and time waving and banging inflatable pom poms (distributed by the La Salle side) at every game point. La Salle won in straight sets which is what Batch63 wanted to see. (It didn't matter that UE is the cellar dweller among the teams). 

After the game, the Batch63 guys went for a brief stroll around MOA. And then it was merienda time again at a branch of Cafe Adriatico there. Overall, it was a fulfilling day specially with the presence of the Batch63 wits. From Manny, we learned that if you want to regrow diminishing hair, go and get chemotherapy; from Boy, we learned that Centrum multi-vitamins (the new kind in the USA) make a good sexual stimulant; from Onie we learned that if you want some kind of equity in the home, have a den TV and remote control alternative to what your better half dominates now; from the waitresses at Cafe Adriatico, we understand that Duterte will make a good president for change. 

Then it was dusk and the Batch was low batt from all the excitement. They will need to recharge so that they can come to the Monday Kapihan at Italliani's again on Monday. Once more, thanks to Gabby for the tickets; to Gary for the ride; to Raffy for the chicheria; and to everyone for the good company. 

For those who miss this fun trip, I recommend that you regualrly join the Monday Kapihan so that you will be abreast of developments next time. 

Hasta. 

Onimayo


See slide show for more photos.