Beware of Karaoke Dangers

Man Shot Dead for Bad Karaoke
(MSN news item 31 May 2007)
Thursday May 31 17:49 AEST

A jobless man was shot dead by a security guard for singing out of tune in a Philippine karaoke bar, police said Thursday.

Romy Baligula, 29, was halfway through his song on Tuesday night in a bar in San Mateo town, east of Manila, when 43-year-old security guard Robilito Ortega yelled that he was out of tune.
As Baligula ignored his comments and continued singing, Ortega pulled out his revolver and shot him in the chest.

Senior Superintendent Felipe Rojas said Baligula died instantly.
The security guard was detained by an off-duty policeman shortly after the shooting.

Deaths and violence are not uncommon in Philippine karaoke bars. The popular Frank Sinatra song "My Way" has been taken off many karaoke bars in Manila after it was found to be the cause of fights and even deaths when patrons sang out of tune.

Our bloggers tribe is happily increasing with the indefatigable and courageous Nelia joining us. WELCOME!!!

From Anglesey Abbey, Cambridgeshire, UK with love....

hello classmates! I am very much pleased to share with you my joy for being in the company of my only daughter Mhin and her husband Karl and only sonSean Lawrence.That is something that money cannot buy.pasencia na kayo kung sila ang inuna ko. Babawi na lang ako sa 2010,another reunion kung may buhay pa.Masaya ako para sainyong lahat.Masasabi kong tayong lahat ay nagtagumpay. Salamat sa Diyos at sa walang sawa Niyang pagpapala sa atin.Sa mga classmates na nanggaling pa sa ibang bansa,kay galing galing nyo. Salamat sa kumare kong Luz sa pagupdate sa akin parang kasama nyo na rin ako noon.Para kay Mike,salamat sa pagcheck mo sa akin,pare.Mukha yatang bumata ka sa new hairdo mo.Kay sisigla at sasaya nyo reflected even in pictures.Sabi ng anak ko sana nakasama nyo rin ako dahil masaya raw ang ganoong pagtitipon.Di bale may 2010 pa malapit na yon at sana magkasama sama pa tayo by that time kung loloobin ng Panginoon.

Back to Toronto

I just came back home to Toronto, but my memories still linger in Orion, Bataan.

The reunion hangover is yet with me, and it would take a long time to wipe out the euphoria which engulfed me seeing and being with people who have been a great part of me.

Thanks to Pareng Mike and to all of you for sharing one of the best moments of my life!

Here is a sample picture of the reunion.

I invite you to view the rest of the pictures I took for the duration of my stay in Orion at http://www.eldrpma70.multiply.com

I will be in touch with my blogs.

Would you be the next one?

Violet Feliciano-Cordero has started it. She sent her green mango recipe through Luz. She made history for being the first to send in a prized recipe to our blog. Congratulations and loads of thanks, Violet!

Would you be the next one to part with your prized recipe? Please start sending them in.

We also welcome household tips, announcements of family celebrations - weddings, baptism, debut, etc. Please send your "samu't saring sharing" through any of the blog contributors, or publish them directly yourself.

Let's work together to keep our blog till 2010, at least. It is the best venue for keeping in touch with each other. What are you waiting for, blogger?

And from the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave comes Frank! Glad you have joined us. WELCOME!

Guess who has joined us all the way from England? Big welcome to Aida Mendoza Sison.

(Apologies. No recent photo of Aida other than what was posted a couple of weeks back is available.)

Good on Yer, Mate!

Another cool guy has joined us. Let us all welcome ANSELMO, from down under the Down Under country cum continent.

Mango Chutney

This is from Violeta Cordero's Kitchen.She used to bring this crispy mango during our gatherings.I am publishing this for her.


Ingredients:
7 pcs medium size mango,(kalabaw variety and manibalang}
1 cup salt
Syrup(2 cups white sugar and 2 cups water


Procedure:

1.Peel the mangoes and cut horizontally
2. Put the mangoes in a mixture of 1 cup salt and water.leave it in the
salt solution overnight.
3. Prepare the syrup,2 cups sugar and 2 cups water.Boil until the sugar is
melted
4.Rinse the mangoes and drain.Pour the syrup and leave it overnight.
5.On the second day, refrigerate.And it is ready to eat

Can You Guess Who These Two Are?

Sto.Domingo Fiesta

At exactly 6 pm ,May 25 we gathered at Fely's Place to attend the dinner tendered by Nelia in honor of their patron saint, Sto Domingo,whose fiesta is celebrated that day.Rolly with Lita graciously accommodated us,in their van(Fely,Belen, Julie Violeta and me)while Emma and Fred were in their owner type jeep.What greeted us is the old reliable reunion streamer, again proudly hung at Nelia's gate..."Oh it's reunion time again," somebody said.Editha was already there when we arrived.Later Rosa and Mercy arrived.
The recipes are all delicious but I liked the " nilasing na hipon" best.As expected food is overflowing and after dinner is Videoke time.Rollie and Lita scored very high in their renditions of some old favorites and love songs.Fred also showed his singing style and dedicated a song to Julie...Nelia also sang some old love songs,how I wished I have a good singing voice so I can also join the singers of our batch. Editha left early to finish packing for her flight the next day.
While most of our balikbayan batchmates have returned, all of us will always remeber their efforts to bring us closer again just like the old times in JRI. And for our President,Mike Cruz,you deserve all the laurels!

Big Welcome to Emma

Thank you very much for dropping in. Now we can hardly wait to read about exciting newsbits from someone in the thick of things in that part of the world.

In remembrance

May 28, 2007 -

In the US, a special day of remembrance is celebrated throughout the country. In honor of those who served in the Armed Forces of America, each town large or small , celebrates Memorial Day in some form or fashion throughout this weekend. I took this privilege to use our web site, to pay homage and a small tribute in their honor. It is something that is near and dear to my heart, not only because I have served in the United States Navy. But more importantly, I am grateful for the privilege that I have served the United States of America.

To All the Veterans, allied countries of the USA INCLUDED, past and present I salute you!

"Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country."

-John Fitzgerald Kennedy (1917–1963), U.S. president. Inaugural address, January 20, 1961, Washington, DC. quoted in Theodore C. Sorenson, Kennedy, pt. 3, ch. 9 (1965).

PICTURES SPEAK A THOUSAND WORDS:

While it’s my turn to be on the limelight, (thanks to my wicked, lovable relative) it was unadulterated pleasure for me. To be at the back of the scene, anticipating the next move of the subject(s), then clicking the shutter- that for me, was FUN! Case in point, look again at the posted pictures of the papparazzis. And who do you think was grinning all along? In hindsight, there were two missed opportunities at the grand reunion, which I’d like to do all over again. If only I could turn back the time. First, was the presentation of the certificates to Cora and Mike. The look on their face during the presentation, were those shots I would have loved to capture, and during their brief remarks – priceless. Well, there's always the next reunion to look forward. I'd better clean up my camera lens...

So un-Hollywoodish!

BAND OF PAPPARAZZIS, I should say! But one important person is missing - Corazon's Pabling. I observed him aiming his camera at the papparazzis, and not on the subjects, from time to time, during the photo shoots, (and not without that mischievous smile on his face!)

During the Grand Reunion, we were so un-Hollywoodish on our reaction to the camera-toting guys. Whereas, the stars and VIP's would veer away from them, we practically ran and elbowed our way to where the cameras were aimed. Take a closer look and figure out who have the most number of pictures in the albums.

OMG, I hope it's not me!

JoGJMac'07

Eddie and the Papparazzis

Welcome to Fely Reyes

Fely has finally signed on as a blog contributor. We are now looking forward to interesting updates from that part of town.

We are also waiting for the others to do likewise. Hurry up, guys!

From Roberto Gomez

Pilar,

Here is the picture of my wife Malaya (YAY) and myself, the other one is the family picture (from left to right Rowell (PeeWee) youngest son, Rochelle (Sis) our daughter, with her is our grandson Jacob from our niece, my wife Yay, myself Ruben, and the eldest is Rommel.

I did see all the pictures from the Grand Reunion, lahat kayo'y magaganda at mga pogi, pero hindi ko na makilala kayong lahat.

Congratulation to all at sana mayroon pang susunod.

Roberto (Ben) Gomez

The Gift Of Giving

Traditionally,MAY is the month of Flowers,Fiestas and Santacruzan.However Batch '63 turned it into a month of reunions and gift giving.We not only shared our joys meeting classmates,barkada and friends from among our batch but also shared our blessings.
It is heartwarming to see everyone wholeheartedly digging into their pockets everytime the "HAT" is passed in the many gatherings we had this month.The spirit of generosity flowed; for our own batchmates who need help,for the residents of the Bahay Puso,both the elderlies and the street children and for the Catholic church' Sacristy.By our own example,we have shown our concern,we have shared part of ourselves and we have made others happy.Hurrah to all of us!!

ENCOUNTERS

Grand Reunion, Episode 1

May 4, 2007, Friday night. Before me was a man who looked like he had just stepped out of a courtroom. He was smiling. Around me were some 60 year-olds whose faces I could readily recognize despite the passing of 40 something years since the last time we were together.

Mike asked, “ O ito kilala mo?” pointing to the guy before me.

I looked and then stared and scrutinised his face for memory triggers. None came. I was beginning to feel the first flush of embarrassment. The others offered clues not to help me but to confuse me even more. They were obviously enjoying my confusion and discomfort.

Still absolutely nothing to stir my memory. He did not fit the stereotype of my batchmates one little bit. While we were behaving like giggly teenagers out on a first beach camp out, he simply looked too solemn and dignified for the likes of us. So wishing to end the troubling confusion, I went to him for a closer scrutiny and asked him, “ Sino ka nga ba?”. He just continued smiling, this time with a touch of mischief on his face.

Mercifully, a voice came to my rescue and said his name. They could have knocked me out with a feather duster! This solemn, dignified-looking guy could not have been “that” young man of the 60’s. My jaws seemed to have touched the ground for the utter surprise I felt at that time. Yet it was he.

And a few more days afterwards, I realised that as youngsters, we had impressions and preconceived ideas of others in our own batch which were born of immaturity, innocence, naiveté and perhaps unfounded fears. I had needed 44 years to revisit and revise these impressions and ideas particularly of this impressive and charming guy.

I won’t tell you his name on this page. Maybe he will tell you himself. Or someone else might share his/her version of this episode.

Here is a challenge for everyone. I DARE YOU to write about your memorable/unforgettable encounters at our reunion.

ANNOUNCING A NEW PHOTO ALBUM LINK

Check out Juanito's Photo Album link at http://www.flickr.com/photos/jbrodrig/ for images of our 2004 reunion. Enjoy!

JRI Orion Batch 1963 June 2004 Reunion Pictures Part 1

Hello Fellow Classmates,

These are the photos taken during our June 2004 Batch Reunion. This was taken at Luchi's Au Au farm in Orion, Bataan. I just saw them in my photo collection and just wanted to share these with all of you.






For the rest of these priceless photos, check out our PHOTO ALBUM links (Blog Admin)

Batchmates as Seen Through the Camera Lens (2)

http://www.titajo.com

On Mother's Day, I got my own domain name, from my son, Marc. I was so happy to receive that gift, because of the sheer joy that I get whenever I blog. That gift came with an impromptu lesson on blogging techniques, given by Sharm, my future daughter-in-law.

I'm inviting you all to visit my website:http:// www.titajo.com

Armando Writes

Maraming salamat for posting my picture with my wife sa ating blogsite. Kitang kita ano? Kitang kita ang mga ebedinsiya ng kasiyahan ng bawat isa sa atin during our grand reunion.

I want to extend my warmest gratitude and thanks to all you people there outside the country for your kind generosity and concerns. Nadala rin ako sa paiyak na emotion ni Pres. Mike coz he didn't expect that our reunion goes that far, dahil sa 75 percent attendance at cooperation ng bawat batchmates.

Para sa akin ang paghanga ko at pagkilala ko sa inyong mga nasa abroad sobra-sobra. You spend thousand of dollars, just to fly back home, you spare couple of days here just for your batch mates, even if you are busy in your jobs..

Ok, till here I, know you're busy. Kadarating ko lang galing sa Bataan.
Siya nga pala, nasa bahay sila noong May 15. Nelia and Ernie had the pictures.

Bye. GOD BLESS

ARMANDO

Pang Guiness Book of World Records???

Naku ha! Ang daya nyo naman! Balak nyo palang malagay ang JRI Batch 1963 Grand Reunion in the Guiness Book of World Records as the Longest Running Batch Reunion in the World, bakit di nyo sinabi kaagad, para di sana muna kami umuwi.

I guess, ikinakabit nyo pa rin ang reunion banner natin in the places where you gather and party.

Guys, careful! Blood sugar,uric acid, cholesterol, etc. Remember, everyone in Batch '63 is entitled na to a 20% discount for senior citizens, because yon na nga, senior citizens na tayong lahat, whether you admit it or not. At our age, prudence dictates that we have to be very careful with our food intake. Just a reminder, dear batchmates.

So paano, see you again in January 2010.

JoGJMac'07

Reunion Hang-overs

Last night's gathering at Anselmo's place will not be the last of batch '63 reunions.It seems the euphoria will not settle down.The hang-over will be long and forever exciting.Violeta informed me of the dinner at Mok's place but my work did not give me the chance to be there.I missed that and from the sharing of Emma; Fely Reyes,Rollie,Ernesto S.,Violeta ,Nelia ,Editha were there.With some of the balikbayans still around ,I am sure some little gatherings will still be held.
I am really enjoying the reunion photos from the albums of Eddie,Licerio and Corazon.As I view each photo ,I cannot help but smile and travel back to a number of times I have the chance to be with my batchmates from early April to this time.God has blessed all of us,I am ever thankful I belong to this batch.MABUHAY ang Batch'63.

Batchmates as Seen Through the Camera Lens (1)

SA PINAKAMAMAHAL NAMING PRESIDENTE

Taos-pusong pasasalamat ang nais kong ipaabot sa 'yo-JRI ORION BATCH'63
PRESIDENT-FOR-LIFE, MIGUEL "MIKE" CRUZ!

Noong nasa high school pa tayo, ang tingin ko sa 'yo ay KUYA namin. Noon
namang nagtatrabaho na tayo, parang TIYO ka namin. Pero ngayong nagkita-
kita uli tayo after 44 years, parang type kong isigaw na "LOLO, IKAW ANG BIGATIN!"

Kidding aside, inuulit ko ang pasasalamat sa walang kapaguran mong pamumuno
na naging dahilan nang matagumpay at napakasayang JRI ORION BATCH 1963
GRAND REUNION. It was truly GRAND in all aspects.

My heart goes to those who missed the affair. Sabagay konti lang ang di nakarating. Batch '63 had an attendance of 63. How awesome!

Let's pray that we would still be around sa next reunion which is tentatively set in January, 2010.

GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR LOVED ONES, MIKE. GOD BLESS BATCH '63 ALSO.

Terrie and His Best Friend

Who looks more handsome? Of course,si Terrie, di ba batchmates?

Some Photos

Our Blogsite is getting so exciting everyday,such that some classmates have requested that their unique photos be published.Due to popular demand ,I am posting their photos.

Aida is presently in United Kingdom.

Sa aking paglalakbay na humigit kumulang sa 17 hours ay bumalik sa aking alaala ang napakasayang tagpo na ating muling pagkikita pagkatapos ng 44 na taon. I could not express the happiness that I felt before, during and after the reunion and perhaps all of us felt that happiness. "Alam mo Mike", ang sabi ng ilan nating ka-batchmates na ngayon lamang naka-attend ng renuion, "kung alam lang namin na ganito pala kasaya ang ating reunion sana noon pang una na kami'y iyong kontakin noong naunang renuion dapat sumama na kami".

Ang mga challenges na dumating sa akin ang siyang naging dahilan upang lalo akong magsumigasig katulong ang aking mga angels upang maging matagumpay ang ating grand reunion. With the help of God on Jan.,2010 at sa kagustuhan ng nakakarami ito ay muli nating uulitin. Lubos ang aking pag-asa at pananalig na sa muling pagkikita mas lalong maraming balikbayan ang uuwi.

Sadyang nakaka-touch ang ating pagsasamang iyon pagkatapos ng 44 na taon. Ang bawat isa ay hindi mailarawan ang kaligayahang mababakas mo sa kanilang mga mukha, kaligayahang hindi maaaring tumbasan ng salapi ika-nga. Halos ayaw nang magkahiwahiwalay lalo noong tayo'y nasa Crown Royal na habang inaawit natin ang AULD LANG SYNE bago umuwi damang dama ko tulad marahil ng inyong nadarama ang magkahalong galak at lungkot, lubos na kagalakan sa loob ng ilang araw nating pagsasama at lungkot pagkat pansamantalana naman tayong magkakahiwalay. Kaya habang inaawit natin iyon ay hindi ko mapigilan ang pagpatak ng luha sa aking mga mata at marahil ang iba rin sa inyo. Ang ginawa nating pagtulong sa pangangailangan ng ilan sa ating mga ka-batchmates, pagbibigay sa bahay puso at iba pa ay isang naging magandang simulain ngating batch1963. Sana magpatuloy ang simulaing ito hindi lamang sa panahon na tayo'y nag-kakasamasama at may reunion. "Sa isang umiibig wika ng Panginoon, higit na pinagpala ang magbigay kaysa tumanggap."

Once more thanks to all of you who attended our grand reunion, kay Corazon sa pag-create nila ng ating blogsite at lalo't higit na sa kahulihulihang sandali ay nagawang maka-attend sa ating grand reunion. Salamat sa lahat ng mga balikbayan who have played an important role for the success of our grand reunion.Kay Pilar na nagingkatulong ko sa pagkontak ng ilan nating kamag-aral, kay Mareng Emma na naglapat ng lyrics sa ating graduation song, kay Pareng Rollie at Pareng Fredo na nakaalalaysa akin sa lahat ng sandali at higit sa lahat sa aking mga angels na sina; Belen Buenaventura Almazan,Luz Quicho, Luz Torres Saul, Julie Santos, Rosa B. Balmaceda at kay Ramon Lacson. Maraming maraming salamat po and may God always bless us.

SANA'Y MAULIT MULI.

With love and prayer,

Miguel(Mike)Cruz

We've done it, Guys, celebrated the WOWEST time of our batchlife! And what a celebration THAT was, exceeding our wildest expectation of what fun could be.

There are probably thousands of photos taken, some of which are now viewable on our url link sites. There will surely be more to be posted for our enjoyment and to keep us geared up for the next fantabulous get-together.

We wish to acknowledge some wonderful people who helped make our celebration such a roaring success: PETE MACALUA for the impressive banner/streamer, EDDIE BENJAMIN, our official reunion photographer, CHARINA CARLOS for the radio and TV announcements and OUR SPOUSES who had graciously allowed/enabled us to enjoy THIS occasion. On behalf of the batch, Thank you very much.

photos courtesy of Boy and Eddie

More Reunion Photos

For more fantastic reunion photos see Boy Evangelista's album at http://lae1130.multiply.com

Photos are all in, from my camera! Please log in on the link below!. Annie and I are forever grateful to each and every classmates of Class 1963. You have done such a tremendous job in living up to every great expectations of a GRAND REUNION! Superb planning and execution from start to finish, everyone. We truly enjoyed this journey! We experienced a lifetime of fond memories with you all. We hope that you all felt the same way Thank you, JRI (Orion) Class of 1963. Have a safe trip back to your respective neck of the woods. Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat. Thanks heaps! Thanks y'all! Till we all meet again, God speed!

http://photo.walgreens.com/groups/jriclass1963orionbataan

IT'S HERE!!!

The best, happiest and most enjoyable time of our collective lives is now ON! Cameras are now busily clicking, faces radiantly beaming, laughter loudly ringing, hearts joyfully singing, bellies filling with much loved hometown goodies. The JRI Orion Batch of 1963 is feverish with excitement and joy that no words can ever fitly describe. This is our very precious time. Let us all savour every second of it.

Pre-reunion pictures available!



Enjoy a snapshot of what you're about to experience in the next few days! JRI ORION CLASS 1963 rocks!!! Please visit the link below.


http://photo.walgreens.com/groups/jriclass1963orionbataan

P. S.

Wait! After you click on photo.walgreens, it will ask for your user name and password (just like any other "invites", you have to register). Follow the link on new account and register with walgreens. IT'S FREE. Please give me a feedback via separate e-mail, if you're having technical difficulty. Have fun!

Model of the Year

Lucille,
You look like the perfect model for that native wear from Vigan!
I am certain you have relished also the food made popular in Vigan --- longganisa with lots of garlic and "bagnet"! Dab a little vinegar and the longganisa is sooooo goooood for breakfast!
Been there and saw the Iberian-architectured houses, the calesa, the cobbled-stone streets, and the beautiful church which is considered a world heritage by the United Nation Historical Commission.
Enjoy and see you soon!
Ernie

Up North

Sharing some photos taken in Vigan