HAPPENINGS

This year is quite remarkable for me as far the frequency of our clique’s meet ups is concerned. I’m used to this belief that organizing or realizing a reunion is like mining a diamond in the piedmonts of Africa. Then year 2009 came and it made all the difference. We had like 5 or 6 of that this year and the most recent of which was held last October 10-11, 2009 at Karyl’s - ALFA Resort, in Pansol.

I never got tired of tagging the same faces each time we do this because the guffaws dripping from these people are more than enough to disregard this chance to give in to the drama. But, somehow, this longing to see a new face or new faces is always knocking on my door too. So I am always like this kid who would not let his new toy (car) left on the floor without his hands on it. That’s what happened when I saw Ms. Carol Malsi. Find out why as I go on with this narration…

It was already dusking when I arrived at the meeting place. I came first, I came alone, and I was seeing no signs of possible participation from a new face. Except for Cheng, Jeff and Aronne, I was wondering who will crop up that night while counting the myriad of strangers, cars, jeepneys and buses passing by in front of me while waiting for the crew. Then the pendulum swang reminding the time at 7:30. At last, Jeff and Aronne appeared on the door of Manong Pedro’s and it was only by 8:02 that all the expected faces showed up.

I am always anticipating for a new face in an outing like this. And this anticipation seemed to have attended when I saw Carol Malsi in the house. She’s one of those batchmates WE haven’t seen for quite a while so the fun and thrill of catching up with her is ten times higher. I could see how delighted the gang were because of two things: Carol’s presence and the ADVENTURE that awaits us.

Traffic was something we had to endure the very first time the batch had an outing that was featured here. If I were to remember, I described the traffic during that moment this way: ‘the vehicles are moving like a rushing turtle.’ This time, we only had an hour to reach Laguna from Cubao. Unbelievable I may say - at least for me. It was my first time to experience a smooth trip downsouth for just an hour.

The crew was unloaded at Balot sa Dahon restaurant where Karyl picked us up with her M-Estrada. I could just imagine how relieved the passengers are in that bus the moment we took off because we were the noisiest of them all. Anyway, if there’s one person who will be more delighted than any of us that night, it would be Karyl who confessed that her mom and other relatives can’t make it to one of her life’s most important events - the Christening of Baby Erika. The aftermaths of Ondoy and Pepeng speak why. So I perfectly understood how glad she was that we were able to come over to represent the family instead.

There were plenty of activities, stories, pranks - among other things that ensued out of this trip - I would have wanted to narrate right away but what really became indelible on my “forehead” are only the following: Carol Malsi’s “kakikayan”, the videoki extravaganza, and the Pinoy Henyo Challenge. I had enough of the rest of the crew that’s why I can’t help but give Carol a special portion on and in this post.

…So what are things she did to make herself noticeable (I may say.)? Actually the answer is one big f***** NOTHING. I just kinda love to talk about her because she’s the most anticipatable among the gang. Carol is a natural joker too just like Jeff, I must say. She could get me laughing hard just by her facial expressions and more so when she strikes the bat. One unforgettable scene of her is that when we tried to plunge her in the pool because she was the only one left standing. So I asked her why is the hesitation and she explained that she did not bring any shorts nor a piece up there covering the mountains while the others were already busy frolicking. We did want to unleash that burden of her by getting her wet so KJ will not get in the way. We hit her with the H2Os wrapping our almost naked bodies. She avoided some of the few strikes which made her almost wet but all she did was pull her “ipit” from her already wet hair. The efforts did not cause any effect to our objective so, the crew, feeling unsatisfied, hit her hard again with the blades of the water until she felt the need to just come down instead. At last, the mission was accomplished.

After the swimming, we proceeded to the lobby where the videoke is positioned. The crew is bound to perform for the first time! So this is the reason why I don’t wanna miss to include this in the story. Can no longer recall what’s the first song sung but I can recall who grabbed the mike most often. There were three of them: Jeff, Nath, and Cheng! I bet you already have an idea who to deal with in case you will be faced with the same scene in the future. Hehe! I was just joking. Our theme song, Salamat by the The Dawn, was not able to escape from the claws of your resident singers so it was again justified (not by the technical aspect of singing but because by living the message of the song) despite several pleas from the neighbors.

The last activity that night was the Pinoy Henyo Challege which everyone undoubtedly enjoyed. Jeff was the first to try the challenge and …………….anybody who can guess the word Cheng put on his forehead? ……………………………..Ummmmmmmmmm! This was the word Jeff is to decipher that night: BOAR. So imagine how invoking that is to our guffawing hormones. As much as I wanted to calm myself with the laughing I couldn’t. We were giving clues that are supposed to be decipherable enough but the term is just agricultural (or technical? Edj, help me out from trouble if ever) that he kept on insisting PIG. So it ended up to our favor. The words given to the succeeding participants were already mawkish to deserve the lick of my tongue. So I’ll end this portion there instead.

We all went to bed after a few acts of catching up with each other and that was I think, three in the morning already.

The morning came and the big day is on its feet. All of us got a bit exhausted that night thereby making the gang render an O.T. sleep. So the consequence was, we all woke up late that morning making the bell flicking our feet when we were preparing to go to church for Baby Erika’s Christening. The good thing is, despite the lack of sleep, dizziness from the sun’s, empty stomach, and other consequences we needed to meet, we were able to maintain the “smile” on our faces that has been driving the crowd’s presence all along. What I am trying to say is, WE ENJOYED EVERY BIT OF OUR STAY IN THAT PLACE.

So to Karyl, I want to thank you once again for paving the way to realize another reunion for the batch. Your efforts shall remain visible in this very corner of our friendster account and shall as well remain pasted in our memory cards.

P.S.

The next outing would be on the 14th of November. I hope that whoever (from the batch) sees it, will respond because we are all invited according to the host.

GTG!

I was reviewing the blogs I have here a while ago and I did stumble on so many misspelled words and let me say, gifts from the Department of Redundancy Department. Human nature is really a force to reckon with as far as you are traveling the road to perfection.

The point is, that sucks! I am teaching for this semester English 1 which tackles about those “mishaps” in this blog. And yet, I committed the same. Tsk tsk tsk! Well, I’m on my way to make this right…LMHO!

I hope I can be as watchful as the Peregrine Falcon when hunting in my succeeding posts.

How will I start? …………………………………(Thinking! Thinking! and still Thinking.)

And here’s what I came up with:

Call Time: 7:30 a.m.

Meeting Place: HM Bus Station, Cubao, Q.C.

Itinerary: Visit to Karylle’s, Foodtrip, and Sauntering at the UPLB Boondocks

Would you believe that 7:30 a.m. “transformed” into 11:30 a.m.? It’s not my business to tweet what really happened with regards the time, but let me just say this: “Better late than never and the more, the merrier.”

The price to pay is the delay and the fruit we reaped is an additional attendee. Peace! batchmates. I know how well we cherish and love each other so we will always excuse somebody who would be in the same case like the foregoing story.

I would love to do a narration of this trip but I think it’s better for you to browse over the pictures to get a clearer picture of the supposed story instead. That way, I no longer need to consult the dictionary for words if you know what I mean. Pardon fellas because I can hardly find time to give a full shot on this unlike before.

I would like to stress though that I will make up in the future because I have no plans of quitting this blog yet. I owed a lot from this blabbermouth and it’s channel - HERE IN THIS BLOG. Wanna know what’s the fuss? Because it tolerates these lips to stretch its potential. Got that? Bwahaha.

So allow me to just let you glean from the recently uploaded photos to communicate with you the tales from the crypt (I mean “trip” - hehe! That t.v. series from my childhood just crossed my mind that’s why) .

First Postscript

What I really appreciated from this - I may say, tour - is the chance to recharge my lungs with clean air courtesy of the trees surrounding the UPLB “boondocks” - our word of the day!

As what I posted on my facebook’s status, ‘There’s no better way to recharge from the busy streets of Manila (equals Stress) than to catch a breath of fresh air on top of the mountains.’

I REALLY, REALLY ENJOYED THE TRIP MORE SO BECAUSE I’M A NATURE LOVER AT HEART. JUST BY SEEING THE GREEN LEAVES OF THE TREES AROUND MAKES ME SHOUT FOR JOY ALREADY.

Second Postscript

So to Karylle Gumiran and husband, Eric: Thank you for letting us “in” to your place. We hope to hop in there again on your baby’s Christening this October.

Cheng, Ed, Aronne, Nikki, Poten, and Jade: Thanks for the company!

The first question that may come to one’s mind if he happens to see this post would be, “What about it?” Then, he may or may not want to find out why and navigate away from this page instead.

The above-quoted name is someone the author (at least here) had not seen for 8 years since the last reunion held at Tubo (Casibarag) where a little misunderstanding occured… Let me just put those dots at the end as replacements for the this natural blabbermouth’s inclination (to give too much information).

So Grace, just want to really really thank you for sharing with us a portion of your time. More so, for bringing your family with you. That was so appreciative -your willingness to spend your family day with us. I am praying hard that by the time we will meet again, the tickin’ of the clock would not be a hindrance anymore.

“A batch that stays together… is ISULAB Batch 99.”

Behold the watchword of this canton. You read that right guys and gals… that is what’s rolling in my head as (and after) I was exploring our “webpage” a few minutes ago.

I remember when this account came into existence along time ago there were only less than 15 faces on the list. So, I spent days, nights, months, even years searching for the remaining names from the “class record”. It paid off though but the fact of the matter is, not that much because 3/4 of the entire “population” is nowhere to be found at the timebeing. The efforts did not fully materialize for sometime. However, the ebb and flow of things is a thing one can never tell…

One day, I logged in to our account and surprised to see new name/s with an invitation to join the list. The feeling was like winning a lottery with a million! That’s the scene that kept circling around everytime somebody from the batch pops up on the window and hands an invite. Slowly, the inhabitants of this account dramatically swelled reaching to “76″ to date - and counting. Looking at that figure now makes me want to sing the song, Feels Like Heaven…. Yeah, I know what you’re thinking… the consonance is Beyond ”cking Egypt anent the corny content but just bear with it. I’m the boss here, am I not? Hehe.

The upshot of all the recent updates in this account like the overwhelming responses and messages from our fellas both here and abroad, the new recruits which may or may not remind you of something pleasant and not so pleasant but still makes you smile and we are all inside this pit one way or another,  the news being transmitted via the blog and all other mediums of communication available here… these are all food for those happy veins in our hearts.

And at this very moment, that last paragraph from one of my blog entries here, MC’s Birthday, echoes again inside this very room: “… I was pondering on why I find great joy in reconnecting with my old highschool friends: reminiscing the past once in a while. And then, I just caught myself smiling as I connect to, what I call, my once and still, natural world then reflected to the rapidly changing society.”

I am thankful we’re still the same. We still know how to look back to that old picture with a smile. Huhuhu!

Long before Cheng and Aronne made this “suggestion” that the batch’s summer outing be slated on May 30 (A.D.) at Puerto Galera, I have been qualming that if we will wait for the entire population of the isulab county to respond to the announcement, then the likelihood of the plan will get obscured. That’s exactly the scenario revolving inside my head now.

All of us are indeed notified whenever there is/are plan/s for that matter. Most of the time though, there are only few faces floating up to now. The hard part of this concern is, we have to conform to the hectic schedules of these few new faces in the hope for this “the more the merrier thing.” Why not make it the other way around……….. you conforming with us to make things easier.

I hope the plan would still come to fruition though despite the odds.  We only do this once a year anyway and I think that is not much of like a disturbance on your/our part.  Hehe! Sounds like there is much desperation from this. JAE HO!

P.S.

The title, by the way, was “that” because summer has just ended so there’s no doubt it fell under the word - UNSUCCESSFUL.

Good day bathcmates! I “hope” this will again entertain you knowing the way I do this - monotonous. Don’t worry, I will take formal classes in the future to improve my writing skills. My lame excuse is, I’m a comed grad. So spare me. And to my former classmates who are in the field, please consider the last sentence. I am very much willing to be corrected  though. Hehe!

Let’s get down to business. The reason why I kind of decided to blog is because the batch was invited by Catherine Taccaban as early as February (A.D.) to attend her wedding that took place just two (2) days ago - April 28, 2009. A wedding is one of the most significant events in a person’s life and we couldn’t just take for granted the privilege given to us by our very own, Cathy. The invitations were actually sent to me and Cheng. Stated therein was this: “……..I have reserved 8 seats for the batch on my wedding day! Please do the honor of inviting anyone from the batch who can probably, not possibly, make it on that day…….Cathy.” 

A couple of weeks ago, Cheng started to disseminate the news to the concerned citizens of the Isulab County. There were only eight (8) who responded: yours truly, Cecil, Cheng, Ayu, Jeff, Neil, Edward, and Aronne. Unfortunately on the actual day, there were only five (5) who showed up. For those were not called upon, our apologies. Here’s the thing: We were actually considering probable candidates for this event and the selection was based on our personal experiences (with Cheng of course). What I meant there are these questions: Who are really available?; Who shows up more often, if not always?; and Who can can we reach out (Your digits, email add, any contact information equivalent are YOUR concerns here. Not ours.)?

So much of the blah blah, let’s go back to where I am supposed to be heading - Cathy’s Wedding. And this time, I would like to make this story short as much as possible. The wedding ceremony took place somewhere in the INC church along Mindanao Avenue, Quezon City. We failed to attend because the girls with me can’t stand wearing something that will reveal their beautiful legs. Let’s leave it that way to avoid world wars. LOL! We got to meet Aronne, the stunning bride, Cathy and the rest of the people at the reception - Gazebo Royale along Visayas Avenue, Q.C. When we got to the place, the first activity, (and I bet the last as well) was picture taking. Picture taking at the gate, cottage, entrance….. even before entering the restroom. Sigh! And the perfect word for this kind of bug is, ADDICTION! So bear with us if you would only see faces from the beginning until the end of the photo album. After all, it’s a photo album. LOL!

The program for the wedding started at exactly 6:30 p.m. where all the people in uniform (those who wore barong and gowns including the major characters-Cath and Nick) marched all the way through the stage where the newlywed will have their seats. As Cathy and her groom parade, I noticed the four girls’ admiration on their faces. I can’t help but assume they are a bit envious but in the lighter sense if you know what I mean. As this familiar line goes, “It’s every woman’s dream!” So don’t even think of commencing a debate. After a few minutes of introduction about the couple, the emcee requested to have the two dance to the select love songs. What’s really nice about this particular number is that you could see that they are so much in love. The way Cath looks at him and vice versa was so inviting ……………. to get married too. Then jumping to that, we have witnessed another way of doing the boquet and the garter toss. Instead of having them thrown up in the air, they had it given by some sort of a game show where the participants need to answer questions about them (like their favorite brands of clothing and like). Who answers most of the question, of course, wins. After the program, we tried catching up with Cath to have at least a picture of us and her but we just can’t do it that easy. We waited almost an hour to have it realized. And when the picture taking with her was over, the first thing Cathy asked us was if we will already go home. Thing is, it’s so obvious that she still wants to talk to us for some updates but she didn’t because she can’t at the time being. It’s really impossible for us to steal her for 20 minutes. So we had to make a choice or else we’ll get drown to the hours passing by that night. To cut the story short, that’s what we did much as we wanted to stay for Cath.

So to Cath: We perfectly understand your position that night. We will meet again soon. The batch is still here. It lives on, remember? hehe! It is enough that we became a part of that significant day in your life because you wanted to and not because you have to. The effort is greatly appreciated. THANK YOU and best wishes, again!

Here we go again …. “reviewing” the contents of this terabyte-size memory card of this head (hmmm, eyebrows raisin’? just look at the forehead if you know what i mean). Right click, select refresh …. ok! … Data needed just popped out and………………………. here’s what was shown by the thumbnails.

December 29, 2008

What is significant about this day is that it is the patronal feast of Brgy. Catabayungan. And so, it is but expected to anticipate for our isulab agents’ invites for that matter. Mmmmmmm! I could just vividly see the images of the menus I saw from one of the houses in the vicinity. Delicious!

Here’s the chitchat between me and cheng during the afternoon of that day.

Cheng: Sony, fiesta mi. Ume kamu. Agalam mu si Jeff.

Sony: Mabbalo Cheng! Innak ku makkaturug ana mi tu mabi. Kitattungi garay na abbing. Sikami la na atawa nabattang ta balay. Awang si yena … Awang tu kaduffun mi.

The response from the latter showed the obvious. If you were in Cheng’s shoes, you will sure assume a NO answer. I just kind of made it a bit polite by paraphrasing it.

December 30, 2008

A few hours passed and the next day came without making it to the feast. This time, I received a text message from Aronne informing me about another meet up at Cheng’s (which later turned out to be at Opal’s) by 6 p.m. I asked permission from my commander-in-chief and, fortunately, I got a free 5 hour ticket ride.

I was getting ready after the prearranged time when Mr. T dropped by our house to fetch me while I was still busy pacifying my crybaby baby with a pacifier. Babies really know when to cry! Sigh…………. Because of this, Jeff decided to catch a glimpse of the ongoing basketball game in the Hall of Casibarag Sur for the meantime that I need to do my thing first.

7:30 p.m. was the time when Mr. T and I set “feet” at Opal’s. From afar, I could recognize the faces of Cheng, Nath, Edward and Aronne from their seats under the tree in front (or make that at the back-whichever) of the Laggui’s house. So there, I was busy “tagging” faces as we were approaching the crowd hoping for a surprise - I mean if there is/are any new face/s ” reactivating through my senses. And there were two that I can hardly recognize. Who were they?

The cold weather during this season compels the majority to put on their shields - jackets, sweaters, boots, etc. What’s the point? It is because the people I was trying to recognize were wearing two of those items mentioned thereby making it harder for me to do the task. Anyway, I was only able to figure out who these people were when I was upclose with them … I was taken aback to see Maricon Talaue and Jay Bulan.

Jay Bulan was once a close friend wayback our first year in highschool when we were still in the Santol Section until our second year, when we were transfered to Kalamagi, Atis, or Mangga (Whatever?) Section. Until, he found greater pranks in the lairs of the “more maton group” of the other section in our third year.

On the other hand, Maricon was this classmate who, eventhough did not really leave a mark on me, caused the same level of, I may say, sugar rush. It’s been 10 years since we last met. See classmates, you’re presence is most welcome and needed because you can always expect that everybody would be happy to see you no matter who and what you are. I understand if some would feel hesitant for some reason but the thing here is, your presence. Never mind the looks, the changes that may have occurred physically in you - its inevitable (we all have our fair share on that matter), or what you now do for a living. Just give an eyes wide shot to the bold letters there - PRESENCE. That’s all that matters! Going back, our presence, especially Mr. T, ignited the fun of course - the more the merrier. That’s the way it is.

So what do you expect to take place in a gathering like this?

1. Almost Endless Chatting (AEC);

2. Reminiscing Highschool Life (RHL);

3. Talking About The Absentees (TATA);

4. Picture Taking (which I missed);

5. Love Matching (pls. give me a better term. I know that’s not it);

and my favorite,

6. Abs Exercise (AE) which practically means Almost Endless Laughing - something that money can’t buy. Remember, the best things in life are freebies (by me).

A few minutes past and another Mr. T arrived - Jesse. For those who are not familiar of the name, better attend the next meet up to know who he is. Just take extra effort to reach out.

Another Mr. T came when we were about to recover from the stomachaches given by the first two Ts. This time, it was Leslie who, for some reason, did not have the power to match the “CLOWNing” prowess of his contemporaries. Let’s leave the story on the leaves of that tree to give respect to Leslie who hosted another reunion at Greenbelt last December 19, 2008 - FYI. I failed to attend! How unlucky me….F***!

As much as I want to prolong this blog, I can’t anymore. I gotta catch the busy train in Ayala. Instead, allow me to just enumerate the other highlights of the last year’s meet up”s?” where  I was a part of.

January 1, 2009 2-7pm - On My Baby’s Christening Day

Cheng, Jay, Nath, Jesse, and Aronne came over for another chitchat. Then we went to Aling Kikay’s for a Bowl of Pancit which is supposed to be at Gay Chavez’ place.

January 1, 2009, 7-9pm - At Jayne Cureg’s

There were the same attendees except for Gay Chavez, Rosemarie “Ichi” Gatan and the host. Served on the table were red wine, chocolate cake, ube jam and photo albums which gave us the opportunity to see other pictures from our younger years like the outings we had at Boguey, Callao Cave, Port San Vicente etc.

GUYS, THANKS FOR SHARING YOUR TIME WITH US. HOPE TO SEE YOU AGAIN SOON!

Before anything else, I’d like everyone to know that I decided to blog this event not because it was the most memorable or whatsoever but simply because to inform the batch about the latest happenings that will occur from now on.

It was February 23, 2008 when Jeff Tarun thought of inviting all isulabbatch99 students, now not anymore, on 12 April 2008 (Actually, it was supposed to be a month before the set date of the outing but it turned out be a week instead.) to be held at his place somewhere in Pandacan for the planning of ISULABBATCH99 REUNION/OUTING - 2008 EDITION. So we did what was necessary to call the attention of all concerned by posting the information via the friendster bulletin and calling/texting those who’ve provided contact information with us. When we already had the target number of possible participants, we then set the planning on the said date. Present during the planning were: Sonyboy Fugaban, Emily Guingab, Rachelle Malsi, Potenciano Uy, Edward Allam, and of course, the man behind all of this, Jeff Tarun. And here were the issues raised:

1. Destination/Venue – Private Resort somewhere in Laguna as recommended by Edward

2. Primary Tasks (Resort Reservation and vehicle rental) – Jeff’s assignments

3. Announcement (via friendster and mobile) – assigned to Sonyboy, Jeff and the rest of the planning team

4.Confirmation day (from Jeff Tarun about the status of the plan) - Thursday night (April 17, 2008)

5. Meeting place – Gateway Mall, Cubao

6. Gadgets – Poten and Sonyboy

7. Groceries – Edward, Emily, Cheng, and Sharon

Two days before April 17, there was no definite place yet to consider. We were all waiting for Mr. Organizer’s confirmation until the following day. And there was still, none. Finally, at exactly 9:30 in the morning of the most anticipated day, 19 April 2008, Mr. Tarun asked me whether or not to push through with the plan. I suggested not to considering that no one’s making a feel out of it yet. I mean no confirmation from the parties involved. I thought Emily already left the country because she informed me three days before the set date that she can’t make it; among other discouraging instances that would really make you hold back.

Then when 12 noon came, Mr. Organizer confirmed by sending a text message to me to go with the plan no matter what. Everything turned out to be a surprise after that. There was no hired vehicle for the trip, no groceries, and there was no possible place to go to yet. Everything occurred in that trip was spontaneous thus, it turned out to be an adventure. Those who arrived at the meeting place just found themselves kinda “caught up” that we really need to push through. It was exactly 7:15 in the evening when we left Cubao and headed towards Pansol, Laguna.

We made our way down south of Luzon where the steps leading to Balibago can be found. As we waited there for the next ride, we bought some stuff to eat, chicha, beverages, and so on at the nearby 7 Eleven. After that, we looked for some vehicles going to Pansol. Contrary to what was instructed to us by a certain Manong in Cubao, we still had to take two rides from Balibago in order to reach the town of Pansol. This would mean another long trip if ever so we thought of a faster way to cope with the problem because it’s already getting late that night. Mr. Organizer did it by hiring, from there, a vehicle for rent for almost a thousand bucks. We were hesitant to bite the suggestion at first considering the exorbitant price but after some sort of deliberation, we all gave in.

The first few minutes of the ride was bearable until we passed by this area where traffic was more horrible than that of Metro Manila. The van was moving like a “rushing” turtle. So to divert our attention with that mise en scène, we started taking pictures and eating some chicha. It was ten o’clock when we arrived at the desired place. It would have been okay if we just had to plunge into the pool right away but the case was, we still had to search for a resort that could meet our allotted budget.

(Mga itsura ng pagod.)

Along the way while in quest for a resort, we met these strangers somewhere in that place who volunteered to do the searching since they know where to find one. We accepted the offer and let them hopped in our van to take the lead of trekking over this certain subdivision. The first try was negative. So was the second. And the third was still a frustrated one until, we had like a “thousand” of the same outcome. We were so engrossed with the thought of finding a resort that we forgot to check the time. It was only when the two, almost heroes, fellas were attempting another act of benevolence when they suggested to try another area that we became aware of it. It was already 11 o’clock in the evening. Much as we don’t want to be rude, we had to drop them off this time because they consumed almost one hour of taking chances too (like us). Due to desperation that time, we had to ask our driver for his suggestion if there is any. Good thing he has and the first on his list was too expensive while the second one was affordable but, it’s not a private resort. We chose the latter but before making a decision, we checked out the place first.

The excitement that was diminished by the despair we all felt from the first search started to proliferate again when the view of the resort came in sight. It’s beautiful! Yes it is until we learned about the rules and regulations. It sucks I must say and trust me, for those who are “barkadas” wanting to enjoy a reunion, you will never prefer that resort.

The excitement was again diminishing as we were cruising our way to a place we didn’t even know. All that I’m (we’re) aware of during that time was thinking of going back to Manila and carry out this reunion at Poten’s place (as he was insisting during that time) instead. Then Manong Driver stopped somewhere (again) and asked a group of tambays where we can find what we are looking for. They recommended Grace Land Resort, a public resort, found in ……(exact location unknown because we didn’t pay attention to it anymore hehe!)…… The driver advised us to consider public resorts this time because there’s no hope that we can find a private one at twelve midnight. Upon arrival, we immediately checked the place out. It’s a good one and it’s very affordable. They only charge P120 pesos for the entrance and P2000 for a room. Landscaping is really nice but what really got me was the fact that the H2O of the pool is being taken from, what the locals call, bukal or hot spring.

The first thing we did when we got inside our room was checking the toilet, door locks, and windows for safety purposes. After that, we chowed the brupper (breakfast and supper but it should be supper and breakfast, me ganon? Imbento lang yun.) with regard the time. I could just see how hungry the girls were as I was seeing the way they eat. Poise was completely disregarded meantime - that’s all I can say. Hehe!

(Gusto lang namin pasalamatan KFC for the food.)

If there’s one thing we should always carry during a trip like this, it would be an i-pod or any equivalent. Music man! That’s what I’m sayin’. Thank you to Mr. Uy who really prepared for it. It was a thunderstruck to us when we learned that he really made an extra effort to download songs that were “in the club” during our highschool days. And not only that, it’s nice to recall that because I failed to bring the assigned gadget to me which was the speaker, Mr. Uy had to rush to the nearest electro store just to buy one before we left the meeting place. All for the love of music. So nice of him! (But it’s not to be played yet since he really set it for the session later if you know what I mean.) In the meantime, our ears were craving for a groovy music (R&B in particular) so we requested Mr. DJ (Poten) to please put the mood on. Just as we were enjoying Neyo’s Because of You, our “neighborhood” blasted their loudspeakers thereby distracting the atmosphere inside our room. But at the very least, the songs they’re playing were exactly the ones we’d love to hear.

The girls started to dance with Edward who was, at that time, overpowered by the woman locked inside him (hehe!). He’s so funny to look at when he was shakin’ his booty. I’m still smiling whenever I think of it. Laughs! Then after a while, we all went to the pool and dipped ourselves in. The water was warm unlike the typical chlorinated water in a pool. And you can enjoy swimming because the water is equally buoyant like the seawater. Floating there was just so easy and relaxing. And I bet, each of us was having a great time soaking in that water heated by emanation from passage near a molten or hot rock.

The most unforgettable scene in the pool though was when Mr. Uy choreographed a synchronized swimming. It really looked as if I was watching an entry in the Olympic competition. Haha! That’s a perfect example of hyperbole. We even videotaped it because it was really entertaining. (Note: It will soon be uploaded to our site)

THE LONG WAIT IS OVER. THE VIDEO IS NOW HERE (7-2-08). Click this link:“http://www.youtube.com/v/c-NfSIGxncQ”

It was already 2:00 o’clock in the morning when we went back to our lodging.

Next in line is the most anticipatable part of this reunion – the session. Catching up and other telling of tales was the general idea. It was started when the Poten turned his i-pod on and the beverages were laid on the floor. The first track played from Poten’s special album was “Forever” by Damage. Suddenly, there was a flash back of the memories from our JS Prom. Can’t help but remember the girl I danced with in that song. Then there was Boyzone, Backstreet Boys, N*SYNC, Code Red, Spice Girls, Steps, among other hot stuff during our time. I remember Poten, Jeff and I singing Picture of You by Boyzone. It’s a surprise for me to know that we are still so acquainted with the lyrics. It’s nice to return in time and recall the memories of your teenage years. That was really fun! Then all of us shared his good and bad experiences during highschool. You may either laugh or cry with those I must say. “Hey what about….” and “Do you know whatever happened to…” was heard a lot - sometimes with an answer, sometimes not. Lots more stories and conversation till somewhere after 6a.m. Those who weren’t there, by the way, became the subject of the discussion on some points. So beware for those who are not attending. Hehe! I would love to narrate the things that we talked about regarding life, love and maturity but I decided not to anymore. The reason is, I just remembered that before we ended the session that early morning, we all agreed to leave everything we heard into the four corners of that room. Another thing is that the subjects were too personal. So just allow me to say that undoubtedly, we are all grown-ups now physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. We’ve gone a long long way from our once young and naive selves.

From there on out was mostly good-byes; hugs and handshakes. I think promises to keep better in touch seemed a bit more real, perhaps in part due to the new pics and stories expected to surface from the ISULABBATCH99 Friendster Account. Astig to!

I would like to express my gratitude to the following people who made this outing/reunion possible:

EDWARD ALLAM

SHARON CABAUATAN

SONYBOY FUGABAN

EMILY GUINGAB

RACHELLE MALSI

JEFF TARUN

POTENCIANO UY

I am fervently hoping that we’d be able to gather more people for the next reunion. Well this is just a fantasy at this point but it can come close to probability if, each of us will make an extra effort (just in case we/you still care) to do what we can to reach out. We just don’t want to hear feedbacks again like we only inform the parties we know or we did not inform “you”. Always remember fellas the saying, “The more, the merrier.” And so we need you here.

Spread the word.