Showing posts with label Reunions in Manila. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Reunions in Manila. Show all posts
Friday, March 26, 2010
Monday, December 8, 2008
MEN IN MANILA
Wow! We may get a lot of hits with this title..... Men in Black, Men in Uniform, and now.... Men in Manila!!!
For the information of everyone, Men is singular, proper noun referring to our dear friend Myrna! Yes, Men has been here in the Philippines since November 17 for a well deserved vacation after the loss of a loved one. She's going back to the US tomorrow.
We had lunch with her last Saturday at Gerry's Grill in Greenhills. The venue was very convenient for Men who's condo is just walking distance away. But traffic was horrible that day. Alot, Marynat, and Men were already in the place when I arrived at around 12 noon. Bert and Marie arrived almost 2 pm. We thought they'd give up and turn away from the EDSA traffic. Kaso, sabi ni Men, "Okay lang kung ma-trafic, wala kaming tiyagang maghintay...... Hanggang 6 pm. lang kami dito". O di, lagot. Kawawa iyong beauty ni Marie na pinapag-drive na naman ni Bert (expired daw kasi ang driver's license niya. Galing ng palusot!)
Men stayed longer in Daet than in Manila. The Daet group was able to organize a get-together with her (Men will post the pictures of the gathering when she goes back to the US). She was also in Daet during the non-stop three-day rains that resulted to the unprecedented floods in the province.
She's been to Thailand, too, before coming to Manila. That was before the closure of the two airports during the recent political turmoil in that country. She's leaving tomorrow to be reunited with her children and they'll spend the holidays in Hawaii. After this, we're sure Men would have already fully recovered and would be raring to move on. Wish you all the best Men.
By the way, the lunch turned out to be Ate Marynat's treat for her birthday, which is on Dec. 25. Thanks Ate Marynat! The plan to hold a post-Christmas party is still on. Date and venue will be finalized when Rudy and Ineng arrive on Dec. 20 (or about that date). It's still pot-luck. Marynat will bring Menudo ('80s na 80s).
And now for the pictures...... Ma-reklamo ku-ta ako sa picture na ku-a ni Marie. Garo mag-ama an luwas! Sa picture lang iyan, sa tunay bako man!
Monday, September 8, 2008
Visit to Sor Victorina and two other Augustinian Sisters
Above this post, you can watch the video clip of our visit to Sor Victorina, which I uploaded to our YouTube channel. The storyline will be posted tonight. I spent most of the time last night looking for an appropriate background music. I was tempted to use Umbrella, ella, ellla... eh... eh.. because Ate Marynat left her umbrella at the Lanai of the Infirmary and I had to go back to get it. But I finally opted for Panunumpa sang by the Philippine Madrigal Singers.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Welcome Dinner for Glen and Robert
For the complete set of 27 pictures, click the URL below:
http://picasaweb.google.com/gold50/DinnerWithGlenAndRobertAtDadSInGlorietta
Many important national events have happened these past two weeks but I'll be very parochial in my post today. I'll skip the national events and focus on only one event - the welcome dinner for our balik-bayan parochial classmate.
Six of us, DPS Class 67 Manila-based members made it to the dinner for Glen and her husband Robert. “Us” includes Alot, Baby, Bert, Ebo, me, and dya-yannn….. Tess, who came just when we were about to call it a night…. So, kodakan na lang ang inabot niya.
Except for Alot who was still Glen’s schoolmate in college, it was our first time to meet her after 41 years since high school graduation. She’s now a proud lola of five grandchildren from two daughters, and more apos to come from the soon-to-be married son. She proudly showed us pictures of her “apos”….. take note…. Hindi na pictures ng mga anak…. Mga apo na! So, the tres marias of our high school days – Marybeth, Susan, and Glen are all proud lolas now! Lucky for Glen, additional pounds to her weight and cm to her waist did not come proportional to her age. She looks trim….. and... slenda….. must be doing a lot of exercise!
We were at the farthest end of the restaurant beside the wall, so it was the best place to engage in conversation without having to raise our voices. Time for updating. We got to know that Glen held a teaching job at the UST for 16 years until 1989, before migrating to Canada. It’s only now that I learned that we were in the same campus for three years from 1983 to 1986 but never got to see each other. (I held office at the mezzanine floor of the UST main building - Research office of the Association of Catholic Universities of the Philippines- and taught in the evening at the Arts and Letters.)
Glen continues to teach in Canada. (Bert asked her which teaching method she has adopted – that of Sor Victorina? Ms. Segui/Mrs. Lunario, Idnani’s, Maderazo’s or Ms. Bermillo’s style?)
We also got to know her husband, Robert, who like Willy (Bautista) seems at ease and enjoys the company of his wife’s classmates. Welcome to the group! We now have four honorary members – Marie (Padrigon), Ineng (Surla), and Willy and Robert.
We learned about the couple’s previous sad homecomings, when death in the family was their reason for going back to the country (2003 was the last when Glen’s father died). But it’s a happy moment this time, a family reunion to surprise Glen’s ma on her 80th birthday this coming week (I’m sure her mom will not be able to read this blog, so I’m not spoiling the fun).
There was also reminiscing of the good old high school days – Glen, Baby and Alot's being baton-twirling majorettes or members of the dbc (drum & bugle corps), the famous native delicacies of Vinzons (Indan, sabi ni Ebo) – angko, hinalo, and masapodrida, and Glen’s account of the Mampurog “incident” when she, Marybeth and Susan tried to cross the river. That made us all roll in stitches. Ask Marybeth and Susan, why.
There was also some discussion of the oil crisis and its impact on the currency and on Canada’s economy, particularly the car industry; a general description of the public school system in Canada, and of course, napag-usapan iyong mga absent – like Marynat’s transformation from the silent and serious student to a new Marynat, the government accountant who’s happily married with two pairs of twins plus another child, makwento, at mahilig mag-lipstick even in public, as well as Lina’s pencil-perfect eyebrows which must take her hours to draw and must be the reason for her being perennially late. Nakaligtas si Ed, Rudy and Rori.
As expected in the Dads-Kamayan-Saisaki chain of restaurants, a group of musikeros serenaded us. But if during the despedida for Beth and Willy, Baby and Dra Yoly just kept on requesting Beatles’ songs, the group went not just one step, but several steps beyond that. Glen wanted to dance and so she did… with Baby, and then with Alot. They did the bye-bye and the cha-cha (oh no!, DA Gloria would be very happy!). Without the music though, by just watching their hand and body movements, one would not be certain if they’re practicing wrestling or boxing. Bert wanted me to put the caption – “The Inmates” when I post the pictures and the video. Remember the inmates of the Cebu provincial jail who became famous for their dance video uploaded in the You Tube? Matinding mang-alaska itong si Bert. Well, watch the DPS Class 67 version in the You Tube.
Glen is suggesting a July schedule for our 43rd Homecoming in 2010. What do you think classmates? Please give us your feedback. By that time, the constitutionally mandated Phil. presidential elections would have been over and we will know if Gloria has stepped down and whether we have a new President, or if she has declared martial law and has hang on to her position. Masaya ito!
By the way, Rey Rafer must have left for Canada yesterday afternoon (Saturday). He no longer contacted us when he came to Manila on Aug 14. Alot and I were able to talk with him, separately, when he was having dinner with the Daet group. Yoly contacted us and passed the phone to Rey.
For Men (Abot's) info, Araceli Banzon now resides in Canada and Glen and Robert get to see her quite often.
Lastly, Tess related the news that Sis. Terry (Azanes) has been diagnosed to have Stage 2 breast cancer and has already undergone surgery. We should schedule a visit to her soon.
Bert who is a more engaging story-teller, can surely add more to this account of the get together. In the meantime, enjoy the pictures and the video. Read More...... Read more!
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Lunch Date with Marybeth and Willy
Marybeth and Willy are going back to the US today. Last Monday, May 26 we had a get together over lunch at the Kamayan Restaurant in Glorietta 3, Makati City. It was supposed to be a despedida treat of the group for the couple, but Marybeth was faster to the draw. She was able to pay for the meal before we did.
Among those present were Alot, Marynat, Baby/Nemia, Lina, Ebot/Manuel, Rori, myself, and Dra. Yoly who happened to be in Manila. Ed was not able to make it. He had to rush home to Daet because his father was brought to the hospital on Sunday evening. Happily he, gave an update yesterday morning that his father, who's already 87 years old, is already okay. He was already discharged from the hospital and is now back to his home. He also said that Mendy already contacted him.
We're also glad that finally, after months of being indisposed, Rori was already able to join the group.
Tess was out of town, while Rudy (who's celebrating his birthday tomorrow) and wife Ineng are still out of the country. We missed Bert and Marie who're now in the US.
You can see the Kamayan band serenading the group. They sang not just once, not just twice, but many times more. Baby and Dra. requested for songs from the Beatles, Dave Clark 5, Hermans Hermits, etc. Before the requests though, the band sang Besame. Pagkahiling sa mga lalawgon mi, ito tulos an kinanta. Grabe man, bako ta mang panahon ito. Sobra namang sa gurang ito. And of course, for finale, ang walang kamatayang, "When Summer is Gone".
Dra. Yoly has a suggestion for a bonggang 2010 Reunion. She asked me to try to get some cost estimates and to sound this off to you to get your reactions. Hold on to your seats or to your laptop......... she's suggesting a cruise......... an Asian cruise ..... with your partners, and children perhaps...... She says that by that time, many would have already retired and would have not much financial burdens. There would be more time to enjoy as a reward for the hard work.
So what say you? We welcome your reactions.
Ako, napa-krus na lang. Akala ko biro lang, seryoso pala. Sagkod Calaguas Island na lang ako. Pwede man sa Krus na Ligas, sa UP.
What is a class reunion but a social gathering of former classmates to renew old ties. How many of our classmates can afford the luxury of a cruise? As Marybeth suggested, don't call it a class reunion, and make it a separate activity after the reunion, for those who really want to go on a tour of Asia.
Have a safe trip Marybeth and Willy and see you in 2010!
Sunday, April 6, 2008
San Diego, Here We Come!
Despedida for Bert and Marie
Dads, Glorietta 3, Makati City
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Among the well-wishers were:
Alot (ang Ingat-Yaman and masipag na overall coordinator);
Susan (who's up and about having recovered from her operation; biopsy result showed she's negative for the Big C kaya siguradong yaon pa daa siya sa 2010 Reunion!; but has to watch her sugar level; she now has to inject herself with insulin)
Evelyn (who's sad she'll soon be the only non-dps-class67 in the group; busy with her farm in Batangas; the group is eager to get invited there; overnite pa an gusto ni Alot!)
MaryNat (who has proven Felino wrong because now she's kalog and ma-chika; of course she did not forget to bring her baong lipstick!)
Lina (she came earlier than many of us.... for a change! she'll be celebrating her birthday on the 18th; and anticipating the coming home of her husband late this month...... after many, many years..... diligin mo ng hamog ang uhaw na lupa!.... you should hear the advice of susan, evelyn, tess and the rest about what preparations she should be doing now.... ma-sho-shock si Sor Victorina! an sako ngayang dating internang si Tess dakol ng aram! )
Baby (ever present in manila gatherings, but never in the homecomings! reminiscing with Susan the day they, together with Marybeth met an accident when the karitela fell in the canal in Salcedo St., an hapot daa ni Tony (+) si-isay an nadaganan, sinda o an kabayo)
Tess (I was getting my food when she came, so I don't know kung may na-anggutan na naman siya! she was with her unica hijo)
myself (the official photographer; wearing nice white shirt! bagay ano? that was a pasalubong from Marybeth and Willy! thank you!)
and the couple bert and marie who are leaving for the US next month (wait-listed on May 3 and confirmed on May 9; Bert says he/they will be back after 3 months; the kids will still finish their schooling here; and Bert too will not be giving up his job yet!; anyway, let's wait for his (executive) privilege spit!)
here are some of the pictures for the benefit of those who still do not want to open the blogsite! For the rest of the pictures ate marynat, you have to visit the blog!
Ed was absent (dai man nasida an kotse nya, he said he was attending a course in Tagaytay; susan asked what course? was it s____l inter-? e mga madre at padi daa an kaiba nya sabi ni Ed; baka nagma-mass for truth with jun lozada!)
no reply from Felino and Rori.... zzzzzzz.....zzzzzzzz....
Monday, August 13, 2007
More Pictures from Rudy's Camera
Rudy and Evelyn's Treat at Dad's, Glorietta, Makati City - August 8, 2007
for the complete set of pictures, visit http://picasaweb.google.com/gold50/GetTogetherDadS080707
Despedida for Bruce - Peking Garden, Glorietta, Makati City - July 31, 2007
Read More...... Read more!
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Get-together on a Rainy Evening
On the invitation of Captain Rudy and wife Evelyn, the Manila group was supposed to meet at 6 pm at the Zhongs in The Fort for an early dinner. Then the group would proceed to RJ Bistro as suggested by Tess. The weather was not cooperative though. It rained hard just before six. Rudy and Evelyn, Tess, Alot, Susan and Rori were already at the Fort only to find out that there was no power in the area. A Meralco post, or something broke down as early as 3 pm. I was having difficulty getting a cab then. Good thing, Alot called me up and informed me of the situation and that they were transferring to Glorietta. This was easier for me since I live near the MRT-Shaw Blvd Station. So it didn't take me long to get to Makati, and from the station, Glorietta was just walking distance. The group plus Baby Banaria-Trinidad were already in Glorietta when I arrived. Marynat was not able to make it. She would be coming from Nueva Ecija after attending a funeral and she decided not to follow because of the heavy rains. Our jet-setter friend Ed couldn't make it either. He had to prepare for his early morning flight to Frankfurt. (He just arrived last Sunday from Laos). Lina was in Bicol and Felino begged off because he wasn't in Manila either.
We had good food, plenty of food, and we were serenaded. Rudy requested for Evelyn's theme song for him (iyong kinakanta daw ni Evelyn habang pinapatulog siya) - I forgot the title; Tess requested for a Spanish song; and Susan requested for the favorite of the class - When Summer is Gone (or is it I'll See you in September?).
We decided no longer to proceed to RJ Bistro because of the rains, so there was plenty of time to again reminisce- marami from our high school days - bangka si Rudy sa kwento. I will not go into details this time.
I have to prepare now, I'm leaving for Cagayan de Oro at 4:45 am. I have to go to the airport at 3:15 at the latest. Bye.
For more of last night's pictures, visit : http://picasaweb.google.com/gold50/GetTogetherDadS080707
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Happy Trip Bruce
Despedida for Bruce given by Daddy Bert and Mommy Marie at the Peking Garden, Glorietta in Makati City with Rudy and Evelyn, Susan, Alot, Marynat, Tess, and Toti.
Happy Trip Bruce! Balik ka!
For more of Bruce's pictures, visit http://picasaweb.google.com/gold50/Bruce
and for more pictures of the get-together, visit http://picasaweb.google.com/gold50/DespedidaForBruce
Friday, July 27, 2007
Additional Pictures of the Dinner with Ed
Hi Toti,
Here are the fotos I took during our recent dinner...all compressed for the web...Alot was skyping with Danny and so was Bruce and MaryNat...Gee they were happy to see each other on the video...great guys!
for the complete set, visit http://picasaweb.google.com/gold50/DpsClass67DinnerWithEd
Ed Canela in Laos
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Fine Dining with Ed Canela
Our Jet-setter friend Ed Canela, treated the group to dinner at the Florabel's Restaurant at the Podium in Ortigas Center. The group included Bert and his nephew Bruce, Alot, Marynat, and me. It was Ed and Marynat's first meeting after 40 years! Rori wasn't able to make it because of a Couples for Christ earlier commitment. We didn't get a reply from TESS and from Fely Jacobs (who's probably busy writing his next ten pages message to the group). How about Baby/ Nemia? If it's outside Makati, and on a week day, it would be next to impossible to expect her to come.
Bagong hairdo ni ___ Sister Alot ano, para sa get-together yan, that's why she came in late. Si Ate Marynat looks fully recovered from her surgery, at pwedeng pwedeng model ng kanyang favorite lipstick. Bert and Ed look as if they've not grown old since high school (sabi ni Ate Marynat), pero ako tumanda raw! OO nga, when we were in high school, para akong elementary pupil at mga kuya at ate ko kayo, now parang Lolo ako ng mga ito! Anyway, we enjoyed the evening with our jet-setter classmate who again left this afternoon for Laos. Thanks Ed for the fine food, drinks and company.
The next get together is August 5 - according to Ed and Alot, it's Capt. Rudy (at long last) who's scheduling it. Bert will not be here, he and Marie will be leaving with Bruce for the US. Ed says he'll be here. We hope that the rest will already be available. Please take note - TESS, Felino, Rori, Baby and Lina.
Visit the photo gallery for the rest of the pictures: http://picasaweb.google.com/gold50/DpsClass67DinnerWithEd
pahabol: i forgot to mention that we enjoyed chatting with Danny through Ed's computer. Nagkita iyong magkinakapatid (Kuya Danny and Ate Marynat), at iyong galing sa relihiyosong bayan.
Read More......
Read more!
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Manila Group Get-Togethers and Other Activities
March 2
Hi classmates,this is Toti/Joe Grageda. Yesterday, Susan, Alot, Baby/Nemia, Bert Padrigon, Roderic Serra and I had a grand time reminiscing the good old days over lunch at Via Mare in Greenbelt, Makati. Baby and Alot brought old pictures, while I showed them a video CD (still work in progress) showing the old pictures from my laptop. Let's open an egroup and I'll post the pictures that I have so far. Hopefully, before the Reunion, we can have as many as we can. I'll take digital pictures of them and put them together in a video. We saw Fe's picture. Wow, sexy pa rin! This is not to say that the other's are not... sabi nga ni Bert, just a difference of two pounds (ah... two pounds +++ ...!! joke lang). Attached are two pictures of our mini-reunion yesterday. I still have to go to work. More updates tonight or over the weekend. Regards to all.
Hi classmates,this is Toti/Joe Grageda. Yesterday, Susan, Alot, Baby/Nemia, Bert Padrigon, Roderic Serra and I had a grand time reminiscing the good old days over lunch at Via Mare in Greenbelt, Makati. Baby and Alot brought old pictures, while I showed them a video CD (still work in progress) showing the old pictures from my laptop. Let's open an egroup and I'll post the pictures that I have so far. Hopefully, before the Reunion, we can have as many as we can. I'll take digital pictures of them and put them together in a video. We saw Fe's picture. Wow, sexy pa rin! This is not to say that the other's are not... sabi nga ni Bert, just a difference of two pounds (ah... two pounds +++ ...!! joke lang). Attached are two pictures of our mini-reunion yesterday. I still have to go to work. More updates tonight or over the weekend. Regards to all.
Toti
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