Pila

Scheduled for the Easter holidays but postponed due to lack of participants, the heritage tour excursion to Pila (Laguna) finally happened one week later. Last Saturday, a group of Batch63 guys took to the road and headed for Pila in four cars. Manny R, Gabby and Pam, Jackie and Marilou, Gary and Lita, Oni and Bili, Lito Q, and Boy Charles more than comprised the required minimum number required for the tour. In addition, kin and friends joined Batch63 in the adventure. These were Jackie’s sister and brod-in-law (Maricris and Ernest) and Gary’s friend (Boy del Rosario with trip partner Baby Obrien). 

Prodded by the Wednesday Kapihan small group, Manny helped the tour get organized from Manila since he is from Pila. Manny’s cousin, Cora Relova (prominent heritage advocate for the town), was however the tour guru once the group reached Pila. Pila was a revelation. Its plaza setting contained the old church and many turn-of-the-century ancestral houses around it. This plaza block clearly illustrated the typical “Law of the Indies” town planning concept utilized by the Spanish colonialist. 

The vintage houses were mostly owned by Manny’s family. The crypts at the old church had mainly Relova (and Rivera) names. One crypt marker depicted the typical religious initials “D.O.M.” atop a Relova name. The Batch felt this was an apt heading over Manny’s name should he also be interred in the church walls some time. 

The ancestral houses were vintage 1900 Philippine colonial houses. Original furniture graced the houses. Intricate callados were everywhere. One foyer had a Kraut stained glass piece. The tour proved to be not only visually pleasing but was also a gastronomic success. The arrival repast at one of the ancestral houses consisted of Laguna’s best delicacies (suman, maja blanca, espasol, etc) while the lunch at Cora’s farm house introduced unique tasty Tagalog cuisine (the sauce for the fresh vegetables was blended with the santol fruit). 

Cora Relova proved to be the quintessential hostess as she pampered the visitors from Manila. The group should have left mid-afternoon but this departure stretched out for several hours since the members of the group (particularly the wives) placed orders for Laguna delicacies to take home. Shamelessly, the group also took home leftovers from the lunch (Gary cornered the Leche Flan). Clearly, The group enjoyed the day (despite bad Calamba and Los Banos traffic) and vowed to do another tour soon. 

See slide show for more photos.

DLS Homecoming 2014

Greetings! 

During the Grand Kapihan last Wednesday, the participation of Batch63 in the 2014 Homecoming project was broached.  A need to organize for the work was deemed necessary and a call for organizers was made. Last Monday, six from Batch63 met at Chukker Resto at Polo.  During that meeting a homecoming Project Team composed of the six was formalized.  The Team (see photo) discussed the possibilities and agreed to proceed with the project development on the basis of the following policy guidelines: 

1. The Taft stage presentation originally recommended by the Batch's class reps to DLSAA will NOT be implemented. The majority of the project team feels that the effort to mobilize for the show is too much to do considering the given time frame for preparation. The main activity of the Batch will instead be to hold a private party that will feature dancing and karaoke numbers to spice up the fellowship event.  The details for this activity is currently being finalized by the team. 

3. A damage per participant shall be levied for the Bienvenida party.  However Batch63 funds held in trust by Gary Salcedo may be tapped to support the project as needed.

Expect further details about this 2014 homecoming project in the future. The project team will be led by the Team Leader, Baby Angeles. Working committees were defined and created.  Tasked for the various works are Vic Romero (venue, food and music), Vince Misa (reception), Bambi Goco (guests and program) and Gary Salcedo (treasury and finance). Joey Estagle will continue to coordinate with the DLSAA for alumni matters. The Batch is enjoined to provide Baby with all your support so that we can have a successful event once more.

For any questions or suggestions, you may direct these to Babes Angeles.  

Onimayo

DLS Homecoming 2014

After a long while, the Menagerie is back for the moment. As we know, the annual DLS homecoming is nigh and Batch63 is seeking to support the successful implementation of the homecoming. 

Last Saturday, the DLSAA held their much delayed organizational meeting at the Board Room of the La Salle Taft campus. Joey Estagle and Oni Mayo attended for Batch63. Bong Africa and Tony Atayde led the appeal for the ‘golden’ batches to already submit their plans for their stage presentations. Batch64 is the major celebrant but unfortunately, did not have a representative in the meeting. This led to a concern that the stage shows traditional to the homecoming may not be as entertaining or grand. Batch63 is not among the accredited major celebrants for the night, but they were granted the privilege to also mount the stage if they wish. Of course, this is premised on the Batch’s ability to make a good presentation. (Was it because of last year’s exuberant Batch63 effort?) 

 Joey and Oni agreed to pose the opportunity to the Batch. A quick decision should be made by Batch63 since an official script is required for the presentation which is now only a month away. Whereas the Batch is not a major celebrating batch, and the time for preparation is brief, a short presentation that will once again highlight what is unique to Batch63 was deemed appropriate. It is however the idea that the presentation should be a bit organized in its implementation. While Batch63 should have fun doing it, we should not forget that there is an audience who should be entertained and not bored nor made to be tolerant of amateurish miscues on stage. 

The project will be led by Joey Estagle. Oni Mayo shall oversee the show details including the preparation of the script of the show. Initially a show idea that seems feasible is conjured. A small core group from Batch63 (minimum 6 pairs) who will dance on stage with their wives is required. The minimum requirement from the core group is that they will commit themselves to all official rehearsals and ensure their presence during the homecoming in March. For those who will not have time to rehearse, there will be a part of the presentation where all Batch63 present in the reunion will come up on stage for group singing. For those interested, please indicate your availability to Joey Estagle.

If the group is up to it, the decision to commit ourselves to the homecoming presentation can be made. At that time, we shall send out more details of the whats and hows of our presentation. Hasta la vista, amigos. See you at the Kapihan.


See slide show for more photos.

Pacquiao and the BBB

Last Sunday, Eboy Cosme invited Batch63 guys to his pad to watch the Pacquio-Rios fight on live PayTV. Eboy's pad is located at Cosell building, Gloria St., Makati which is in the general location of Makati’s Burgos district (also known as Korean town). Vince Misa, Manolo Relova, Ed Oleta, and Oni Mayo who are more or less based in that part of Makati went to Eboy's pad that Sunday. 

Apart from the Batch63 guys, friends of Eboy (from AIM and others) also came to watch the fight. All day breakfast that culminated in merienda after the fight was provided by gracious host Eboy. Pacquio’s victory added to the elated atmosphere and so the Batch was not ready to call it a day after watching the fight. From Eboy’s pad, the group had coffee talk at a Coffee Bean store and then decided to trek around on foot in the immediate neighborhood.  In Burgos, the group discovered varied eating places as well as other “interesting”establishments that are worth inspecting. 

Reaching Makati Avenue, the group found out that Eboy had other condominium building investments in the area and which this usyoso group visited. After that, Manolo invited the group to see his pad-with-a-view located in AVenue condominium. Manolo's nifty modern pad was tastefully decorated with interesting original art works including a 17 century cartography (valued at hundreds of thousands of Pesos) and other mementos from his past postings abroad. Afterwards, the group came down from Manolo’s pad in the 12th floor and realized that it was early evening.  So why not have dinner? And that's how the group found themselves in a Japanese tepanyaki place nearby. 

The day was quite fulfilling for the Batch63 guys.  A repeat of the experience was on everybody’s mind and talk of the next one was eventually made.  Why not have regular meet ups in Burgos district? Why not have an official name for the core group?  Hence, BBB was informally launch where BBB stands for Batch63 Burgos Boys. Considering its mix of members however, it can also be called the Burgos Bad Boys! We call on all Batch63 bad boys (of course even good ones) to join the next one and make this group a real fun one.

The next experience for the BBB would not be soon enough. There should be no need to wait for Eboy's next invite to Pacquio’s next fight on PayTV. The suggestions for the repeat BBB activity then ranged from knowledge-sharing sessions; to music sessions; to gourmet sessions; to other sessions promoting activities not necessarily good for one’s physical health and immortal soul. 

See slide show for more photos.

An Angel in Heaven

Steady as a rock she was, to her family and friends. We love Angel and will miss her greatly. From DLS Batch63 friends, our heartfelt sympathy to Arthur and his family.

See slide show for more photos.

Tagaytay Happening

It was Pam’s birthday celebration with her STC schoolmates. Gabby’s friends who knew Pam well enough also came for the luncheon event. Everyone enjoyed Gabby’s Tagaytay haven (lush greenery all around) and Pam’s culinary delight (pasta, callos, meat loaf, canapé stuff, etc.). Lito D and Oni M brought out their guitars and found themselves singing for whoever would listen. Some of the STC girls joined in the singing of 70s tunes. Joey E and Lito D with their Everly tunes did justice to their idols, Phil and Don.  Later, Bert S and Manolo R waxed romantic with their versions of Tagalog (Gaano kita kamahal) and Italian (Volare) songs. Through all this, Gary S and Jackie A were observed entertaining the other guests. 

 The other guests who were not part of the STC group there were Mr. and Mrs. Serge Naguiat, Oying Saenz with her youngest daughter, Coco Relova, and Ms. D. Tess Estagle is also an STC alum but was a few years ahead of Pam and her batch (that included Bili). At some point, the conversation around the guest table veered towards old school rivalries, more especially La Salle and that other school. Manolo R was a riot with his snide comments. Manolo recalled the old days when music was good and dancing partners made conversation on the dance floor. According to him, parties were OK unless it's with guys from that other school.  He draws up a typical scenario where the students of this other school would throw an opening line like: Hi there, which sodality are you a member of? What new books have you read lately? Manolo’s censored reaction to these pickup lines: Sodality? Books? What the f_ _ _! What kind of unimaginative hogwash is that!

With Manolo cussing all over the place, the assumption girls around the table couldn't help but be amused at everything (even if one of them is married to an Atenean)!  In short, it was another entertaining day for some Batch63 guys and their wives who were there.

See slide show for more photos.

The Golden Summary

The Batch63 Golden Homecoming preparation is unique in many ways. Foremost is that it was a highly inclusive activity as Alumni activities go. The year long various events culminating in the Festival Week of the homecoming was due to the special effort of many people. 

The impetus to Batch63’s mobilization for the Homecoming started In March 2012 when they witnessed the successful Golden Homecoming program of Batch62 (at Greenhills). If Batch63 was to emulate the same kind of success come their turn to be the Golden boys, a vital element was the early formation of the appropriate organization for the job. The overall coordinator position was tasked to Oni Mayo. Ultimately the basic operating committees came about to be as follows: 

 - Gabby Valdes, Fund raising 

- Art Sicat, Overseas representative 

- Gary Salcedo, Treasurer 

- Baby Angeles, Rostermaster 

- Vic Romero, Venues 

- Joey Estagle, Rep to DLSAA 

My congratulations and thanks to all the committee members above who did a great job. 

The committee agreed that a year long preparation would be a necessary timeframe. Activities that will be Jubilee projects were lined up for 2012 through January 2013. The week leading to the Homecoming at Taft on March 2 would be the Festival Week project events. These projects would be key to the build up of Homecoming enthusiasm for the Batch. Each project was headed by point persons who volunteered and generously personally put out for the projects as follows: 

The Taal Heritage Tour and the Tagaytay Jaunt 

Thanks to Oni Mayo and Gabby Valdes. 

The Taguig Sportsfest
Thanks to Joey Estagle. 

The Stars of YesterYears Karaokefest 

Thanks to Vince Misa.with the help of Bambi Goco 

The Taft Boys AVP Giveaways 

Thanks to Bambi Goco with the help of Ned Bulatao. 

The Shirts and Chaleco Giveaways 

Thanks to Steve Hontiveros, Oni Mayo and Baby Angeles. 

The Bienvenida Party 

Thanks to Vic Romero with the help of Gary Salcedo, Joey Angeles, Bambi Goco and Lito Quiogue 

The Jubilee Grand Kapihan 

Thanks to Vince Misa.

The Jubilee Golf 
Thanks to Gary Salcedo and Gabby Valdes. 

The Jubilee Recollection 

Thanks to Francis Horn and Lito Canillas and the special performers 

The Jubilee Homecoming Show 

Thanks to Oni Mayo, Bambi Goco and the special performers 

The Despedida party 

Thanks to Vic Romero, Vince Misa, Gary Salcedo ahd Joey Angeles. 

And then for the ever important logistics without which the planning would go for naught, kudos are in order to the following: 

 - Everyone who paid their P4K due early to ensure a critical mass for the projects

- The special contributors (Ernie Cuyegkeng, Steve Hontiveros, Gabby Valdes, Lito Domantay, Linggoy Araneta and Jimmie Gonzalez)

- The turned-over balance of the Story of Us Fun Fund from the Editorial Board initiated by Bert Saenz .& Oni Mayo

- The sponsors (Art Sicat, Manny Relova, Gary Salcedo) 

 If you read the names cited above, there are no professional organizers there – just your classmates. This is the essence of inclusive participation. 

The Menagerie 

At this point, it is announced that this will be the last issue of the Menagerie reports. It is deemed that this is the right time to put this long-running Blog to rest.  The Menagerie started reporting about Batch63 events in 2007. The Golden Homecoming of the batch is the ultimate event for Batch63 and mission accomplished! .

Perhaps another Blog that can provide a platform for something more meaningful regarding the group can take its place sometime in the future. 

In the meanwhile, Cheer Cheer and Animo to a great bunch of guys!

Jubilee Despedida

The end of Batch63’s Festival week is marked by the Despedida party at Pergola Place in Roxas Boulevard last Monday. Having just finished their successful Homecoming Day at La Salle Taft, the Batch was in high spirits. People started arriving at Pergola by 6PM where they were greeted by the project host, Vic Romero. As usual, the family of Vince and Jane Misa manned the registration table for the visitors. 

The special performers were Jimmy Estrella and Ben Umali who regaled the crowd with their live - digital rendition of Ventures and Shadows instrumental hits. Ben has special Minus 1 facilities that allowed two guitars to play along with the other “missing” band instruments that night (drums, rhythm, second lead, etc.). This started off the dancing where the fun-loving members of Batch63 and their partners excel. 

Between dance numbers especially when the dancers need to get a breather, the singers took over. Yes, it’s also Karaoke time for the Batch63 pop Idols. Lito D, Joey E, Joey Z, Lito C, Doug, Tonichi and others sang their hearts out. Not to be outdone, the wives took center stage at one point and as a group, sang the iconic tune of the 60s, Obladi Oblada. A special event for the night was the awarding of trophies to the winners of the Jubilee Golf Tournament held last Feb. 28 at Canlubang. Congratulations to the winners for their Tigerish accomplishments. 

The surprise attendees of the night were Jon Arcenas; Art and Angel Alvendia; and Ramon Arnaiz. These guys did not make the earlier get togethers but now they are present to be counted. Other guests who attended this time were Batch62 friends of Batch63. At this point, the last few books of the “Story of Us” was delivered by Oni Mayo to those who ordered a copy. The book has now gained iconic status especially after it was cited in the Homecoming event. Again, the party overshot its time limit as the people continue to enjoy themselves. All in all, it was another successful party and a fitting closure of the Jubilee Festival Week for Batch63. 

Hasta la vista, amigos!

See slide show for more photos.

Jubilee Day of Recollection

On Friday, Batch63 held its Day of Recollection at the Bro. AGonzalez Hall in Agno Street. It is an activity that would have schoolmates reflecting on their lives 50 years after High School. I was told that an activity like this a likely a first in the annals of DLS Golden Jubilee activities. Those who came to the Recollection were: Francis Horn, Lito and Fenita Canillas; Jimmy Ortigas; Victor and Eileen Sy; Bobbit Damian; Bambi Goco; Gary Salcedo; Baby Angeles; Bobby Dee; Oni Mayo; Tony Estonina; Boy Nazareno; Steve Hontiveros, Joey Ingles, Bro. Ray Suplido; and Father Fernan Cruz. 

Starting off with the national anthem and a prayer, the forum opened with a song led by Lito Canillas on the guitar. This Tagalog song was actually suggested by Lito.  It's a song that they do in Lito's Queens parish in NYC. (no one among the locals knew any suitable Tagalog song, heh heh). The song is fitting for memory -challenged Seniors since apart from its poignant reflection theme, it was entitled “Sino Ako?”. 

The forum followed Francis Horn’s prepared agenda for the day. Lito talked about “Religio”, Bro. Ray talked about “Mores” and Fr. Fernan talked about “Cultura”. While Lito was sentimental and Bro. Ray was technical in their deliveries, Fr. Fernan was amusing and hilarious.  His emphatic Southern Tagalog expressions was a hit with the crowd. The interaction time after each talk was both entertaining and refreshing. Several guys shared their experiences and eloquently discussed why they are the La Salle boys they are now. This was really a revelation.  For those who are interested, I understand that Lito and Fenita caught the whole thing on tape and may be sharing this soon.

Lunch was served at the Faculty canteen after which the boys had a tour of the new campus which allowed for a lot of photo ops. A visit to the DLSAA office was an opportunity to renew Alumni Association cards which can be prepared in minutes. In case you are wondering, the pretty girl in the photo slideshow (that Gary and Steve posed with) is Ms. Wenz Tiu.  She is one La Salle’s volleyball stars that made it to the UAAP finals and who happened to be visiting the office at that time.

Thanks to Francis Horn and Lito Canillas for organizing this unique event that really articulated what a La Sallite is. We hope it sets the standard as an activity for future Homecomings.

See slide show for more photos.

The Golden Day

It was a night to remember. Fifty years after high school, Batch63 re-assembled in force.  The venue was the open ground floor of the Centennial building at Taft.  Fifty nine ever-green souls  (approximately 50% of the graduating batch) came to be counted for their Golden Jubilee Homecoming celebration at La Salle Taft. 

The day started with rehearsals starting at 2PM. Being the “Golden” batch, Batch63 had a stage presentation to make for the expected Green and White Alumni crowd. At 4PM, there was a Homecoming mass at the old chapel;  And then the Homecoming event at the new Centennial building started.

A new approach to the Homecoming event was introduced when the organizers decided to feature live the UAAP women’s volleyball finals on the center stage screen. The finals was the women's finals  between La Salle and Ateneo's pretty athletes. The exciting match was the visual fare during the dinner and which La Salle won despite coming from two sets down.. Most everybody excitedly got into the act as they cheered every comeback point of the battling Green volleybelles. This feat was made more memorable when the organizers announced that for the first time in more than a decade, La Salle is today’s UAAP overall champ! 

And then it was SHOWTIME. The Homecoming motto was “38 Special”. This meant that graduating batches ending in 3 or 8 were celebrants. The Batch63 show was the finale show for the evening which the Batch played to the hilt. By way of opening their show, the bikers came roaring in to usher in the icons of the 60s - Elvis and the Everly Brothers.  Eye-catching in their gold and green attire, the Batch then mounted the stage to show everyone exactly what Batch63 is all about.

So what is Batch63 about? For those who watched the show, they came to know that Batch63 is adventurous (bikers); unique (Kapihan and Story of Us); musical (singers and composers); supportive of La Salle the institution (notables); and solidly together after all these years! The Batch turnout was so numerous that they occupied at least 5 tables along the center aisle.

Apart from the 59 guys, wives and friends of the Batch came to support them. Boy Cantada, Mon Mojica (from College 67) and  Ed Reyes (HS 60 - 61?) were observed chatting with the guys.  A poignant scene was the family of Melo Prats (wife and pretty daughters) who shared the Batch63 table of Tonichi, Bert, Douglas and Mari Duarte.   Compliments of Vince Misa, the list of attendees to this eventful Homecoming is shown below. 

Alumni Homecoming March 2, 2013 (Saturday) 

De La Salle Taft 

 1. Ang, Benny                                                                   31. Lim, Eddie 

 2. Angeles, Joey                                                                32. Lontok, Celso 

 3. Arellano, Jackie                                                             33. Lucero, Tito 

 4. Arnaiz, Polding                                                              34. Madamba, Lou 

 5. Arnaiz, Ramon                                                               35. Marcaida, Douglas 

 6. Assad, Joe                                                                     36. Mayo, Oni 

 7. Campos, Paqui                                                              37. Misa, Vince 

 8. Canillas, Lito                                                                 38. Moras, Quito

 9. Carlos, Boy                                                                   39. Novenario, Adie 

10. Corpus, Vic                                                                  40. Oleta, Ed 

11. Cosme, Eboy                                                                41. Palanca, Boy 

12. Cuyegkeng, Ernest                                                        42. Quiogue, Lito 

13. Damian, Bobbit                                                             43. Relova, Manolo 

14. Dee, Robert                                                                  44. Romero, Vic 

15. Domantay, Lito                                                             45. Saenz, Bert 

16. Duarte, Mari                                                                 46. Salcedo, Gary 

17. Estagle, Joey                                                                47. Salcedo, Ramy 

18. Estonina, Tony                                                             48. Sicat, Art 

19. Estrella, Jimmy                                                             49. Sun, Mike 

20. Go, Patrick                                                                  50. Suplido, Ray 

 21. Goco, Bambi                                                              51. Sy, Victor 

 22. Gonzalez, Jimmie                                                        52. Tillman, Richard 

 23. Grey, Tonichi                                                             53. Tumpalan, Boy 

24. Hontiveros, Steve                                                        54. Valdes, Gabby 

25. Horn, Francis                                                              55. Vargas, Mari 

26. Ilustre, Mandy                                                             56. Vera, Chito de 

27. Ingles, Joey                                                                 57. Villarreal, Raffy 

28. Laureola, Rikko                                                          58. Yujuico, Aderito 

29. Ledesma, Alex                                                            59. Zamora, Joey 

30. Leon, Wally de


See slide show for more Homecoming photos.