Billy Manotoc

The Wednesday Kapihan was exceptionally well attended today. The day's agenda had two things in mind. One is the meeting of the Golden Jubilee core group to finalize details for the Homecoming. The other is the rare visit of a Batch63 fellow who is now a permanent resident of Switzerland. Yes, Billy Manotoc is in town and his friends came to welcome him home again. 

The regular Batch63 guys and the GJ Core Group members who came were: Oni Mayo, Bambi Goco, Joey Estagle, Polding Arnaiz, Gabby Valdes, Joey Angeles, Joey Ingles, Gary Salcedo, Vic Romero, Vince Misa, Francis Horn, and Chito de Vera.  The rare birds who especially came to say hello to Billy were:  Ed Oleta, Tony Estonina, Linggoy Araneta, Mari Vargas, Vic Corpus, Wally de Leon, Steve Hontiveros, Douglas Marcaida, Mandy Ilustre, Eboy Cosme and Ed Lim.  

The experience of meeting his childhood friends anew was a happy, if not an initially confusing one for Billy. It was clear that he couldn't immediately make out the likes of Polding Arnaiz, Mandy Ilustre and Ed Oleta. The first names of the people were however enough clue to make his face lighten up in recognition. According to Billy, some guys who managed to mainly look the same after all these years are Gabby Valdes and Baby Angeles. Billy is looking fit as ever and he is amused when he sees a former team mate like Vince Misa. During those years in the La Salle NCAA basketball team, Billy remembers Vince as reed thin and sinewy but who is now showing the effects of too much San Miguel beer in his system. 

Unfortunately Billy cannot stay longer to attend the Batch's Homecoming events since he still works in the bank. He is however due to retire this year where he may have more time for travel (although his wife who is younger than him is still working). He kids that his working wife is his pension plan.  He has two boys – age 17 and 15 – who are sportsmen (golf) like their Dad. Billy is just home for two weeks (with planned forays to Boracay and other places) hence his schedule is very hectic. He made it to the Kapihan though where we hope he enjoyed the Polo food and the presence of the Batch63 bandidos.

See slide show for more photos.

Start-of-the-year Celebration

The Batch63 January birthday celebrants are Ed Oleta, Tony Estonina, Mandy Ilustre, Oni Mayo and Mon Arnaiz. As per tradition, birthday celebrants host a Kapihan event for the whole Batch. Ed, Tony, Mandy and Oni were there at Polo Club to greet their January Kapihan guests. Busy businessman Mon Arnaiz didn’t make it but he promised to send his contribution to Vince Misa (founder of the Grand Kapihan series). 

The Batch63 guys who came to the party were: Vic Romero, Joe Assad, Joey Angeles, Ed Lim, Doug Marcaida, Boy Palanca, Jackie Arellano, George Cunanan, Francis Horn, Gabby Valdez, Gary Salcedo, Steve Hontiveros, Raffy Villarreal, Poldy Arnaiz, Tonichi Grey, Quito Moras, Boy Carlos, Chito de Vera, Joey Estagle, Bert Saenz, Joey Ingles and Vince Misa. 

The proximity of the Homecoming day festivities (where many balikbayans are expected) created a lot of passion about La Salle from among the Batch. Chito de Vera began by taking center stage and making a pitch for the term La Sallite (instead of La Sallian). This brought about other issues such as using DLSC (De La Salle College) for our logo instead of the official DLSU. Douglas Marcaida (who is expected to bring his motorcycle as a prop for Homecoming day) talked about his biking adventures in the Ironman event. Many were concerned about the Jubilee shirts to be ordered for the Homecoming.  Already, there have been several requests regarding a change in the size of the shirt that they had given before.

Golden Jubilee 

Since the Homecoming fervor was already there, the Batch63 GJMC (Golden Jubilee Management Committee) held an impromptu caucus after the breakfast. The committee would like to announce that as of today, 43 souls have paid their Jubilee dues (P4K) to the GJMC and thus are expected to show up for the Homecoming affair on March 2. Apart from the Jubilee dues, the other sources of funds for the logistical requirement of the GJMC are: 

• Special contribution from 6 selected Batch63 principals. This campaign was facilitated by 

   Gabby Valdez, and 

• The transfer of the Fun Fund to the GJMC. The Fun Fund is the surplus moneys from the Story of Us project and which was held in trust by Bert Saenz.

As everyone knows, the Jubilee celebration consists of many fun activities before and after the actual March 2 homecoming itself. Due to many requests for the final schedule of these activities, the major Batch63 activities are: 

Batch63 Jubilee Week

Feb 24 Sunday / Bienvenida Dinner Party at Pergola (Roxas Blvd) 

This is the time to renew old ties. Wives / partners are invited (your P4K dues payment entitles you to bring one wife / partner). There will be a show – The Stars of Yesteryears Part 2 show that will feature musical numbers from Batch63 rockers and crooners complete with costume. We guarantee that everyone will enjoy this extravaganza. 

Enjoy the Filipino dinner, Karaoke open mic set and all-night dancing afterwards. There will be DIs to make everyone look good on the dance floor. The tee shirts and chaleco (part of the package for your P4K dues) will also be distributed to the batch members at this time. These garments are what we will use for the Taft assembly on March 2. 

Feb 27 Wednesday / Feb Grand Kapihan at Manila Polo Club 

The Grand Kapihan will fete the February birthday celebrants. Enjoy the free breakfast at Cameron Forbes Polo Club courtesy of Vince Misa’s selected celebrants. This Feb Kapihan should be the mother of Kapihans – a whole bunch of Batch63 expats will be there to mix it up with the local guys. Watch out for Jackie’s traditional Kapihan reminder text in both English and Royal Spanish language. The English will be for the benefit of the US guys and the Royal Spanish will be mainly for genuine and would-be Batch63 Conyos.

Feb 28 Thursday / Golf-all-day at Canlubang Golf 

The participating swingers (literally) will be Batch63 guys - local-based guys and guys from the US. The US guys are coming from their successful La Sallian Boys tournament (September Las Vegas) and are eager to show off their wares including fashionable equipment and attire. The local boys are however fully confident of their golfing skills. Not only are they playing on home ground but they live the Pinoy lifestyle where year-round golf is possible. Gabby Valdez and Gary Salcedo will be hosting the lunch at the golf club for the participants. I understand that there will be prices galore for the low scorers. 

Mar 1 Friday / Day of Reflection at Christ the King Parish Hall in Greenmeadows, QC 

This will be an assembly organized for Batch63 guys who would like to express their gratitude for having been part of DLS education. It’s true that all the blessings we have received in this life are due in large part to the training we got from DLS. We like to think that La Salle not only technically equipped us but also spiritually. The event will be an exclusively Batch63 affair featuring inspirational talks, sharing moments, group singing and fellowship bonding. Those who are slated to attend are Batch63 religious, Batch63 active parish officials and including known sinners of the batch. 

Mar 2 Saturday / DLSAA Homecoming day at the DLS old Taft campus. 

And then THIS IS IT! The day! The celebrating Batch for this homecoming year includes Golden Batch63 (50 years since high school). This means that Batch63 will have a special presentation on stage in front of the entire alumni body and officials of the school. The Batch stage show will consist of a script in three entertaining parts. This script was put together by the GJ core group and has been approved in principle by the DLSAA director for the event. There will be rehearsals that will be called for this when the balikbayan boys are in town. At this point, the Batch63 Memorial Video will be given out to the boys. The Video handout is part of the P4K dues package and which is the handiwork of Bambi Goco and Ned Bulatao. 

Mar 4 Tuesday / Despedia Evening Cocktails at Pergola (Roxas Blvd). 

After Homecoming day many will be heading back to their countries and provinces. The despedida affair is where the Batch guys will wish each other good luck and Bon Voyage. For sure, new ideas for future activities of this indefatigable Batch will crop up. Featured for the night will be the things that appeal most to the Batch – dining, drinking, music and . . we’ll leave it at that. Spouses are invited to this affair as well, you know. Till we meet again! 

See slide show for more photos.

December Boys

December is the birthmonth of Jimmie Gonzalez, Eboy Cosme, Tonichi Gray, Babes Alvarez and Stephen Ty and so they threw a party.  The party is of course Batch63's “Grand Kapihan” style as organized by Vince Misa. Babes and Stephen were actually unable to attend the celebration but they managed to send their ‘toka’ to Vince Misa. The food was great as usual. In behalf of Batch63, thanks for the real nice breakfast December boys! 

This birthday celebration of the December boys at Manila Polo Club also turned out to be the Christmas party of Batch63. The dual objective of the party brought about a holiday mood for Batch63 who lingered on for more coffee and interesting conversation long after the Kapihan breakfast fare had been put away and the waiters were preparing the lunch menu. 

Apart from the celebrants, Batch63 guys who came from far and wide were: Joey Ingles, Joey Estagle, Gary Salcedo, Joey Angeles, Paqui Campos, Bambi Goco, Francis Horn, Raffy Villarreal, Oni Mayo, Poldy Arnaiz, Ed Lim, Steve Hontiveros, Gabby Valdez, Ed Oleta, Tony Estonina, Bert Saenz, Jackie Arellano, George Cunanan, Quito Moras, Gem Yabut, Boy Carlos and Vince Misa. It was good to have dashing balikbayan Tonichi Grey once again.  He will be leaving for home (in the US) soon but  he made an effort to be in Manila for his birthday. A rare bird is suave Paqui Campos who livened up the discussions with his wit. Paqui is a tried and true cosmopolite who is found in high end parties where there are usually society reporters around.  For the Kapihan however, he knows he will have to settle for the Menagerie and photos from my old Canon point-and-shoot. 

Since a critical mass of Batch63 guys were present, the GJ group (Golden Jubilee core group) took the opportunity to be productive. A consensus for the Bienvenida food fare (on Feb 24, 2013) was agreed.  Read: yummy lechon de leche, pare! GJ Treasurer Gary Salcedo was also seen going around the tables to cajole those who hadn't paid their GJ fund P4K still.  Re the Tee-shirt project, Oni Mayo sought out Steve Hontiveros to try and pressure the supplier to start the work.  As we know, Steve is trying to get a good deal for the Batch from such manufacturers. 

Pitches for the other events for the reunion week were also made. For the golf, Raffy Villareal and Quito Moras confirmed that they will be joining Gary Salcedo, Jack Arellano and Gabby Valdez in the list of the local team. Attention Art Sicat, maybe we can have a US-Phl dual meet.   The venue and date for this event however still remains to be finalized. For the Recollection Day activity, Francis Horn is trying to come up with attendees to enlist but is hard pressed to find qualified people from the Batch.  Don't quote me, but I'm sensing hat he has not extended his invitation to Tonichi.  Before he left the Kapihan, Francis however promised that he will be advising soon re the possible venue and damage that will be required for the event.

See slide show for more photos.

November Grand Kapihan

The November Grand Kapihan feted the following birthday celebrants: Steve Hontiveros, Bambi Goco, Douglas Marcaida, Gem Yabut and Gabby Valdes. Another festajado was Jimmy Estrella. Although Jimmy is based in Pangasinan he had planned to join the Kapihan. On his way to Manila however, car trouble prevented him from making it so he just sent in his contribution to the affair. To all the November celebrants, a happy, happy birthday from Batch63. 

The Batch63 gang who participated in the Grand Kapihan were: Boy Carlos, Joey Ingles, Joey Estagle, Joey Angeles, Oni Mayo, Ben Ang, Vic Romero, Ed Lim, Poldy Arnaiz, Gary Salcedo, Lito Quiogue, Tony Estonina, Ed Oleta, Francis Horn, Lito Domantay, Tonichi Grey, Bert Saenz, Quito Moras and of course, the organizer Vince Misa. 

The Grand Kapihan is really a great vehicle for seeing old friends again. Gem Yabut was out of sight for years to most of the group until this November Kapihan. Gem is a lawyer and must have been very busy. He is thus one guy who welcomes court cases. Tonichi Grey is another rare class mate. Some years ago, he had been actively coming to the Philippines but then his visits became less. Seemingly, he opts to stay home more in his Washington area home . . until today. Yes, the macho conyo is back in town and I presume, creating ‘lagim’ once again. 

Everytime the group gets together nowadays, they end up discussing Batch63 proposed activities for the GJ week.  For the benefit of the Batch herewith below is the list of activities for our Golden Jubilee homecoming event:

February 24, 2013 – Bienvenida Party & Stars of Yesteryears show 

February 27, 2013 – February Grand Kapihan
February 28, 2013 - Batch63 Golf (tentative)

March 2, 2013      – Homecoming Day 

March 4, 2013      – Despedida Party 

In addition, the rehearsals for the participants of the Stars of YesterYears will be before Feb. 24.  Thus, the participants in the Stars of YesterYears show are enjoined to be in Manila days before then.  Two other activities which are still being planned are the Batch63 Golf and the Batch63 Recollection Day. We will keep you posted on the details of these activities once they are firmed up. In the meanwhile, hasta la vista muchachos. (Sorry for the late Blog Tonichi – I got tied up.)

See slide show for more photos.

DLSAA Meeting

Joey Estagle is Batch63’s perennial representative to the DLSAA. Last week he invited Batch63 GJC coordinator, Oni Mayo to attend the DLSAA meeting with him. The DLSAA directors (headed by the incumbent President, Mr. Johnny Sy) conducted the breakfast meeting.  In brief, the major activities for the 2013 Homecoming are proposed by the DLSAA as follows: 

1.    Jubilee Fellowship Night (around Jan 2013; dinner and dancing). 

2.    Bro. Ben Memorial Golf tournament (Feb. 26, 2013 at Valley Golf) 

3.    2013 DLS Homecoming (Once again at La Salle Taft grounds on March 2, 2013) 

The prospective theme (not yet final) of the homecoming is “Back to 1”. It’s a play on the ‘One La Salle” theme. It’s a statement to highlight the fact that despite the expansion and diversification that the school has embarked on in the past decades, everything is now consolidated to signify unity still. In other words it’s an effort to capture the singular spirit that was natural to the school when it used to be alone in Taft once upon a time. 

The meeting was also an opportunity to understand the plans for the various presentations on Homecoming night. There will be several batches making presentations but Batch63’s presentation is the highlight show of the night since Batch63 is the Golden Jubilarian. The DLSAA advised that all presentations be streamlined and fun since the audience will be hard-to-please mixed generations. The idea that comes across is that the organizers prefer a musical show of sorts. 

Long haired Tony Atayde is the DLSAA program director for the homecoming presentations. Batch63 shall coordinate with him regarding the content and duration of its presentation. Props, video screen and sounds on stage will be provided by DLSAA. The groups preparing their presentation will need to provide their own show material. There will be a rehearsal the evening before the Homecoming and as everyone now knows, the Homecoming show will again be in the Taft campus (where it used to be before the construction of the Centennial building).  The new Centennial building is called the Henry Sy building.  It is in the finishing stage and its vast ground floor open lobby shall be the venue for the show. 

Batch63 guys are enjoined to attend the coming Kapihan on October 24 so that we can brainstorm the prospective stage presentation of the Batch among other things. Thanks to Joey Estagle for the photos herein covering the said DLSAA meeting. Animo La Salle!

See slide show for more photos.

The Boys of the Fall

Happy Birthday to the September - October Batch63 celebrants! These guys are: Boy Carlos; Francis Horn; Vic Corpus, Lito Domantay and Joey Estagle. While Jon Arcenas and Mari Vargas were not present, they are also celebrants.  According to Kapihan organizer Vince, Jon and Mari are expected to wire in their due ‘contribution’ to the blow out. This time, the Cameron Forbes Room of the Polo Club came up with a delicious buffet menu for the occasion. (I’m wondering whether this pleasant accommodation by the Club was due to Polding Arnaiz. In last week's Kapihan, the voluble Polding demanded in no uncertain terms that food service in Cameron Forbe needs to improve). 

The Batch63 guys who shared their time with the Birthday boys were: Joey Ingles, Vic Romero, George Cunanan; Gabby Valdes, Ed Lim, Oni Mayo, Tony Estonina; Ed Oleta; Boy Palanca; Joey Angeles; Jackie Arellano; Gary Salcedo; Quito Moras; Steve Hontiveros; Douglas Marcaida; Vince Misa and latecomer, Chito de Vera. As usual, the large group fell into clusters and discussed myriad topics.  Chito de Vera dramatically came in very late.  He had on hand a sapling Ipil tree plant from his nursery. Chito is expressing his appreciation of the work of the GJ Committee and so he was gifting some of them with the sapling trees. 

On another Batch member's related activity, Vic Corpus explained to the boys what he is doing lately. The ever-optimistic Vic is now working on an idea that could revolutionize the power industry. He has established an experimental plant in Canlubang where he is in the process of producing a prototype power generation machine. From my layman’s understanding of Vic’s description, the machine would ‘feed’ itself with electrical power (pumped-prime by the wind). With the use of a maglev turbine system he has invented, the machine would then produce eternal air power than can be made to drive specific mechanical elements. Vic Romero who came from the power sector (Meralco VP) expressed special interest in the project. More power, Vic Corpus. We can’t wait to see you in commercial production. 

Overall, the Batch is still high with its GJ Homecoming activities so it was a recurring topic during the noisy celebration. The suggestions came far and wide for the handling of the original and new activities proposed for the year long event. The details of the GJ proposals shall be presented in the GJ Committee Bulletins which the group will be receiving shortly. In the meanwhile, we are placing a call to all Batch63 to already send in your pledges (P4000) so that you can be counted to join in the Homecoming activities.  As explained earlier, the P4000 will be for the bienvenida, despedida, Stars of Yesteryears show, shirts and vests (to be worn during the stage presentation), and the "Friends" Batch63 CD.  The amount also covers the participation of spouses to the events for those who will bring them along.  

We are also trying to raise a fund to subsidize some classmates who may not have treated the Jubilee Homecoming as a priority investment area for them today. In this effort, some guys have already come through.  (Thanks to Manny Relova and Art Sicat for sponsoring two classmates). The money pledges can be sent to Gary Salcedo (for guys in the Philippines) and to Art Sicat (for guys in the USA).  Hasta la vista companeros. Animo La Salle!

See slide show more photos.

Lito Canillas

Having met up with Manny Relova and Lou Madamba in San Francisco and the guys at Las Vegas (Art Sicat, Victor Sy, Gary Salcedo, Joey Zamora and Manolo Carrillo), it was fulfilling to cap my US trip with a get together with Batch63's  Lito Canillas. A few days ago, Lito emailed that he is just in nearby Queens and so we linked up on a balmy Friday morning in NY. 

Since he came over to the US in 2001, Lito, his wife Jo and a young daughter stayed in Queens. Jo had an opportunity to work in America and Lito gave up a career in Manila (insurance industry) to be with his family. Today, Lito likes to say that he is a ‘servant of the lord’ who is quite active in his parish – St. Nicolas of Tolentine in Kew Gardens Hills, Queens, NY. 

Over the years, Lito had involved himself with sound system applications where today he is an expert in the trade. Much of his work is in the service of his parish and friends who require his expertise. I told him that his skill may be needed by Vince Misa who is putting together our ‘Stars of YesterYears’ show. When I also mentioned that our Manila Batch63 group have personalities who can 'rock', Lito got excited and said he has friends who are also into Band music. 

Lito and I started the morning by going to Sam Ash music store in NYC to browse some acoustic gadgets. Proceeding to Queens, we had a hefty lunch in a steak grill house after which we went to Lito’s house where I met his family. Shortly after, Lito got his car and we drove over to the house of Joey Martinez (DLSC 66 LA) and his wife Tere. At Joey’s large house I was shown Joey’s basement that had been converted into a band studio. There were guitars galore and other musical instruments. 

Needless to say, they thrust an acoustic-electric Ovation (that curved-back guitar) in my arms and we proceeded with some jamming. Joey of course played twangy lead on his Stratocaster. But the surprise for me was when Lito took on the Fender Base guitar and provided the rocking base undertone to the music. It was all impromptu of retro tunes and was a real fun time. After a guinatan merienda prepared by Tere, it was time to call it a day. 

Lito is definitely coming for the Jubillee Homecoming event in Manila next year. While Jo has limited vacation time, they will try to make it to the Batch63 Bienvenida Event one week before. Regarding the Homecoming activities, Lito asked if a day for reflection and recollection is included. Lito said that it would be nice to share ideas on the benefits of DLS Christian education particularly on its impact on our Batch63 group. Paging Francis Horn, Jimmy Ortigas and Boy Nazareno – Lito is willing to start the activity by preparing an agenda. He will however need back up for the organizational requirement at the Manila end of the project. 

Another day, another great experience. Hasta la vista to all and Animo La Salle!

See slide show for more photos.

La Sallian Boys Club 2012 Affair

The La Salle boys of Southern California definitely know how to put on a show. In September, they put on a week long festival that gathered together mostly La Salle guys in the West Coast. Batch63 guys from California who joined this annual affair (now on its 17th year!) were: Gary Salcedo; Art Sicat; Manolo Carrillo; Lou Madamba; Joey Zamora; and Victor Sy. A visiting guest from Manila was Oni Mayo.

The Boys Club festival organizer supreme and generous host is Nestie Teoxon. His spacious 3 bedroom unit at Hilton was the festival “office / clubhouse” and his SUV was the festival “carrier”. His supportive wife Jeflin Teoxon was the Boys Club ‘kunsintidora numero uno’. Nestie is DLS Commerce Batch68 who knows many Batch63 guys. His enthusiastic and sincere invitation was one of the reasons Oni made it a point to pass by the West Coast when his real destination was the East. 

The La Sallian Boys Club people know how to party. Not only are they all engaging and witty personalities but they grace the dance floor like anything! The night at the Gold Coast Hotel Casino Ballroom was the Grand Event of the festival. It glamorously displayed the “dress-to-impress” affair exemplified by elegant pairs who swung to boogie woogie, meringue, chachacha, tango, rhumba and other oldies music. I understand that a few years back, the Boys Club wanted to do away with the Grand Ball in consideration of the economic situation.Understandingly, the ladies would have none of it. Why am I seeing Batch63 attitude in this situation? 

Gary Salcedo was the (perennial) emcee for the Grand Ball. New participants to the festival got a special introduction while Batch63 was especially acknowledged as a group for supporting this La Salle event. The enthusiasm was high and Gary announced that Batch63 could consider sending a delegation to the La Sallian Boys Club affair next year since it’s their Jubilee year. With that, the Batch63 guys there were given time on stage to do some special numbers. After two retro songs (‘Words’ and ‘Do You Want to Know a Secret’) led by Joey “Cliff” Zamora, the group burst out into their finale “Hail One La Salle”  Batch63 anthem. Choreography was difficult to do since they needed to gather around the single copy of the lyrics while peering through prescription spectacles. 

While the Grand Ball was the main event, the week long festival was punctuated with fun activities such as a tour of Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam (tour guide was Binky Estrada); a Golf tournament (organized by Art Sicat complete with trophies and prizes); a Dinner night (with lechon) at the large house of Sonny Gonzalez (DLS Commerce Batch68); group lunches and dinners in specialty (and not-so-specialized) restos; and just plain loafing along the Strip with its many Casino-hotels. 

In ending, I’d like to cite the cooperation and participation of Batch63 ladies who put up with their Batch63 husbands over the festivity period. These were Nanette Sicat, Eileen Sy, Amy Zamora and Bili Mayo. There were more than 50 pax who attended the Grand Ball. Apart from the initial personalities mentioned above, below is the list of the other California-based Boys Club members who participated. 

Bobby & Imelda Razon; Jun Hernaez & June Baert; Rene & Juliet Cinco; Binky Estrada & Honey White; Eric & Teofi Javier; Joel & Bing Lacambra; Gus & Ethel Mercado; Henry Hernandez; Allan & Tina Estrella; Eric & Marilou Hernandez; Ila Villavicencio; Ed & Cynthia Bondoc; Lito & Babs Bisnar; Tom Umali & Lorna Sarmiento; Dan & Loreli Balais; Willy and Rose Salgado; Manny Noguera & Ludy Argouarch; Bobby & Marilou Marella; Cesar & Paulita Lumba; Jun & Sophie Teves; Sonny & Grace Gonzales; Bert Sebastian; and Wili Reynado. 

Hasta la vista, amigos. I’m now in NYC where I hope to touch base with other Batch63 guys there.

Lake Mead:    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Mead

See slide show more photos.

Northern California Batch63 Guys

Manny Relova 

In San Francisco, this Batch63 roving representative met up with Manny Relova. As everyone knows, Manny has established his career (during and after PAL) in San Francisco. He knows the city like the back of his hand. Earlier this year, Manny was on his usual vacation in the Philippines. He hooked up greatly with Batch63. Pursuant to that, It was nice to have still another chat with Manny but this time in his home base. 

As many know, Manny is a veteran marketing man in the travel industry. He knew the dining places and he recommended a Japanese resto for dinner. Manny’s savvy in and about the city was reflected in the way the resto proprietor familiarly greeted him. Over dinner, Manny accommodated my questions about his career and his family. 

It was a thrill to learn that a Filipina and Manny’s eldest – Monique – has something to do with the success of Apple’s IPhone product. Monique was a photography major in college. Per Manny, the Apple company hires a lot of non-IT people so Monique got to work with Apple. Monique’s case is a lesson in the benefits of specialization (multi tasking is passé?). Manny proudly displayed on his IPhone the patent certificate that Monique holds (together with another) for the development the IPhone’s camera system. Meaning to say – all IPhones bear the touch of Monique on it. His two other children are productive as well doing IT and marketing work.

Manny hopes to retire soon in Manila by next year. He is excited about the Batch63 Golden Jubilee celebrations and is actively participating in the GJ Committee's programs.  At the dinner, Manny entrusted $200 to Oni - $100 for his Homecoming fee and the other hundred for his friend Boy Tumpalan.  (See foto).  Manny said that he ate too many free hamburgers in the past at Roadside Cafe (owned by Boy's dad)  and this is his way of giving back.

Lou Madamba

After staying in San Francisco for several days, I transferred base to Foster City. There I met up with Lou Madamba. Lou drove all the way from San Jose for our meeting. (I told him that was the only way since I’m scared stiff to drive in the USA.) After his Engineering course in La Salle, Lou immediately immigrated to America. Unknown to many in Batch63, Lou eventually worked his way to success as an entrepreneur in the USA. 

Lou said that having no track record in the US when he arrived, he couldn’t find work as an Engineer, Thus he got sidetracked and started working in the electronics industry. Gaining experience in both the software and hardware side of the industry, Lou and a couple of partners eventually established and operated a firm that produces motherboards and the like. For a long time, this company supplied some of the current big players (Apple, HP, etc.) when they were all young and still on their way up. 

Today, Lou is on easy street and claims he is semi-retired. His experience continues to be in demand so he is an active business consultant for both local and international companies (HK, China, US, even one company in the Philippines). If I understand it correctly, Lou acts as the link between IT companies that may have a need for each others’ products. 

Lou and I ended up in a specialty resto in San Carlos which Lou claims was part of his work territory. We were so engrossed talking that we ended up closing the resto. Lou complained why they have to close so early. To this the chef-owner exclaimed: “Give me a break, guys - It’s 10PM. This is San Mateo, not NY!”

Lou remains in the pink of health. He attributes this to his Japanese wife who steered him away from fried foods. I was tempted to refute him using Vince Misa and Jack Arellano as examples of fried food eaters. Recalling Vince’s one dozen pills that he had to take a day and Jackie’s expanding waistline, I decided to hold my piece. 

 * * * 

It was interesting interacting with these two guys in their home turf. I’m now preparing for the Vegas DLS reunion next week where I expect to meet up with the South Cal Batch63 guys. Watch for my report on that one. Hasta la vista, hombres!

See slide show for more photos.

Dendi, He Will Be Missed

Being currently abroad, I regret not being with my friend Dendi during his wake, but Batch63 more than makes up for this. To Helen, Katrina and Anna – please accept Batch63’s heartfelt condolence on your loss.  Below are three commentaries from DLS Batchmates who saw Dendi off for the last time.


From Lito Quiogue
Reporting on the wake night allotted to Batch63

Dendi's wake was not of the traditional offering of prayers and condolences not to mention the pall of grief and regret that pervade among the survivors and friends of the demised person laying state in a memorial chapel.

As Dendi would have it, the eve of his interment last Tuesday was a roaring farewell with the blaring twang of electric guitars and songs of the good ol rock and roll era of the 60's. A motley group of talents from HS63 provided the unusual manner in consoling the bereaved relatives and friends of Dendi.

Joey Estagle dished out his trademark Elvis songs while Lito Domantay's renditions of R&B stars like Ricky Nelson and Everly Brothers were accompanied by the tandem of Jimmie Estrella and Ben Umali who jazzed out their talents with their electic guitars. It was more of a rock concert than it was a wake. The affair would have been complete just like those Saturday night shindigs if we had hotdogs and spaghetti in addition to the cornips, barbeques and 3-in-one coffee. It was nevertheless a memorable rocking party for our beloved friend.

Sail on, Dendi !


From Joey Angeles
Reporting on the machinations of the Group for Dendi 

Those who were present for the Sept1 6pm mass during the wake were:
 1. Joey Angeles
 2. Bobby Erum (DLSC67)
3. Bambi & Kang Goco
4. Alex Ledesma
5. Raffy Villarreal
6. Polding Arnaiz
7. Eddie Oleta
8. Vic Corpus
9. Boy Carlos
10.Buddy Palanca
11.Lito Domantay
12.Robert Dee
13.Lito Quiogue
14.Mr. & Mrs. Ben Umali (DLSC67)


From Joey Estagle 
Conmmenting on the request of Dendi’s family for Batch63 to lead the last night of the wake 

He did not want us to grieve, he wanted merriment.

See slide show for more photos (compliments of Joey Estagle)