HAPPENINGS

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.