MEMORIES

INSPIRATION THROUGH SEPARATION

How can anyone in the right frame of mind, lose connection with these lovely ladies? It will be a major crime, to say the least. I am talking about the barkada shown here. Ah, those fashionistas, strolling along the black sandy beach of yesteryears. How does that song go? “Those were the days, my friends…” In the early stage of the 44th year reunion, when Cora started the original blog, I dove right into early publications to support the cause. Most of my articles I called advertisements, were to “enhance participation and involvement with the event”. The objective was the same, but my inspiration to create those ads came from the barkada, a small group of batch ’63. Separated for so many years, on and off. No offense intended to the rest of the batch, but my first hand experience with Annie’s barkada, simply was the starting point to get involved with JRI Class of 1963. On and off get togethers, mail, phone calls as Luz has stated since Annie left her friends for Guam to join me in Sept. 1971. That was a long time ago, wasn’t it? Sure, Josie Pascual and Annie Rodriguez were not in the batch. But they were my partner’s colleague. Josie Pascual Merquiado was my high school classmate, my “guardian” in its purest sense. Friendship endures. For the ladies of the moment, this article is for you. Thanks for the friendship and the blessing of being a part of our extended family. Enough said, please join me to take a peek at some of the choice pictures, I put together in our album.

Please click here: Memories. Enjoy!

More June Wedding Anniversary

Greetings to Rizalino and Erlinda Baluyot

!!! Our parents Mr.Rizalino Q. Baluyot and Erlinda will be celebrating their Wedding Anniversary this June 28, 2007. We, their children, and down to their grandsons & grandaughters are saying "We love them very much" and wishing them Happy Anniversary.

Post sent in by Eriz.

The Joys of Friendship

From our batch,I have not lost touch of a long time friendship with this lady .
Distance and absence did not affect the friendship bond that we have developed.I used to fetch her from her house ,I borrow her books,we make assignments together.We have girl talks too as we traverse the long and dusty road to the JRI campus armed with our colorful umbrellas.

The umbrella has a story to tell,an amusing one:about young love,sweet love!
The umbrella was used to cover my friend's face from the glimpse of a smitten
young man who had to climb the Catholic church belfry just to see if her Lady Love and me were on our way to school in the hot afternoons between 12:00-1:00 pm.The gate of my friend's house is visible from the belfry.Once we are on our way,he will position himself across the Caltex Gas Station,patiently waiting for us and have a close up view of this lady.He is lucky if we don't notice his presence but you can imagine his desperation once my friend sways her umbrella close to her face and cover her blushing cheeks.After sometime, he will quickly ride a passing ALICIA jeep,back to school in Balanga to attend his remaining subjects.

To make my story short, my friendship with her continued,we had good times together with the BARKADA at the Central School,Julie, Emma, Josie Pascual and Annie Rodriguez.Meanwhile, the smitten gentleman pursued his intention and later won my friend's cold cold heart.So, from Guam,Washington,Hawaii,Delaware,Alaska,and New Jersey our communications did not wane.With letters and cards via the snail mail,to emails and personal chats when they visit home,the friendship continued and I bet will stay forever.Thank you Annie and Eddie for nourishing our friendship!

Annie's Cuisine - 2

HOT BUFFALO WINGS

A. Creamy Roquefort dip:

1/2 cup Roquefort cheese, crumbled

1 (3-ounce) package cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon wine vinegar

1/2 cup sour cream

B. 12 chicken wings, disjointed

Oil, for frying

C. 1/2 cup unsalted butter

1 cup hot red pepper sauce

A. In a medium size bowl combine and mix Roquefort and cream cheese until smooth. Add the remaining ingredients and blend well. Chill for 2 hours.

B. Using a fryer or a large pot, heat oil to 350 degrees F. Deep fry the wings until golden and crispy, approximately 10 minutes.

C. In a separate bowl, melt the butter, add the hot sauce and heat thoroughly. Immediately toss hot wings into sauce. Place wings on a platter and serve with creamy Roquefort dip.

D. YOU CAN EAT THE WINGS WITHOUT THE DIP.

Beauty in Aging

Speaking of beauty, here's one to tickle your rib:

Subject: Face lift

A woman decides to have a face lift for her birthday. She spends $5000 and feels pretty good about the results. On her way home, she stops at a news stand to buy a newspaper. Before leaving she says to the clerk, "I hope you don't mind my asking, but how old do you think I am?""About 32," is the reply."I'm exactly 47," the woman says happily.A little while later she goes into McDonald's and asks the counter girl the very same question. She replies, "I guess about 29.""Nope, I'm 47."Now, she's feeling really good about herself. She stops in a drugstore on her way down the street. She goes up to the counter to get some mints and asks the clerk this burning question. The clerk responds, "Oh, I'd say 30."Again she proudly responds, "I am 47, but,thank you." While waiting for the bus to go home, she asks an old man the same question. He replies, "Lady, I'm 78 and my eye sight is going. Although, when I was young, there was a sure way to tell how old a woman was. It sounds very forward, but it requires you to let me put my hands under your bra. Then I can tell you exactly how old you are." They wait in silence on the empty street until curiosity gets the best of her. She finally blurts out, "What the heck, go ahead." He slips both of his hands under her blouse and under her bra and begins to feel around very slowly and carefully. After a couple of minutes of this, she says, "Okay, okay,...how old am I?" He completes one last squeeze of her breasts, removes his hands, and says, "Madam, you are 47." Stunned and amazed, the woman says, "That was incredible, how could you tell?" The old man replies, "Promise you won't get mad?" No, I won't get mad", she says."I was behind you in line at McDonald's."

Beauty that lasts forever

Sent by: PILAR V. CUEVAS

A tale of friendship

(This blog was sent to me by its blogger, Pilar Villegas-Cuevas, for posting in our blogspot. She is still in the process of unpacking her stuff in her new home, so she is not able to access the internet yet.)

HER BLOG:

First it was Cora and me. We became close friends while we were in junior high at JRI. We spent the vacant periods in the sheds in school, studying our lessons for the next subjects (EHEM!) - well. sometimes. Actually, we talked about anything that caught our fancy, and giggled at funny (most of the time - corny) stories. In the afternoons, we walked home together, she to Wakas, and me to Bilolo.

We lost contact when we went to Manila for our college studies. More so, when we started working and later got married and migrated to different countries- she to Australia and me to the U.S. God knows how much I tried to reconnect to her, but was unable to, until Ruben (Ben Ruben before) was able to trace her whereabouts and so thoughtfully sent me her email. How wonderful to feel the warmth of friendship again with the one person I admire so much! Simply, the best! That's my friend, Azon.

On the other hand, my friendship with Josie started in 2004 only, when we met at the Orion church. I got her email address from Belen, so I emailed her when I reached home. She emailed me back immediately. Didn't realize that Josie is so "kalog" - there's never a dull moment with her. Just like me, she's also a "computer addict" so we email each other daily. The daily email exchange and the countless online chats brought us closer in friendship.

GOD IS SO KIND! He gave Cora, Josie and me a chance to be together during our Grand reunion!
MAD and MAT! Tres Rosas, Tres Dahlias, CORAJOLARPS! Yeah, CORAJOLARPS, forever!!!

----PILAR VILLEGAS - CUEVAS

Batch 63 Personalities for June 2007

RP government websites

Almost all of us in Batch'63 will be retiring soon, if not yet, so in most likelihood, many will either be setting up businesses, traveling abroad or working on retirement papers.

I came upon the following websites which might be useful in getting information for the reasons I mentioned above. The list was lifted from the June, 2007 issue of the ENTREPRENEUR Philippines MAGAZINE.

DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY(DTI) - http://bnrs.dti.gov.ph
- http://www.business.gov.ph/SME.ph

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION(SEC)- http://www.sec.gov.ph

BUREAU OF INTERNAL REVENUE (BIR) - http://www.bir.gov.ph

TELESERVE (for passport renewal) - http://www.passport.com.ph

NATIONAL STATISTICS OFFICE(NSO)
(for birth, marriage, death certificates)-http://www.census.com.ph

LAND TRANSPORTATION OFFICE(LTO)
(for driver's license renewal) - http://www.lto.gov.ph

SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM (SSS)- https://sss-online.sss.gov.ph/sss/controller

NATIONAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION(NBI)
(for NBI clearance) -http://www.nbi.gov.ph/clearance.htm

An unusual pic

I guess some of our batchmates are wondering who the ladies in the picture are. (I'm referring to that one posted by Tio Eddie Benjamin in his blog before this one -that one about a warning on using wrong email addresses).

FYI - the one in white shorts and peach blouse is Tia Annie Navarro-Benjamin, the one in a printed red and black blouse is Luz Quicho, the "white lady" before the pc is Pilar Villegas-Cuevas, and the one in shocking pink shirt and tie-dyed pants is yours truly. That picture was taken by our "official photographer, driver, financer, bodyguard, etc., etc." - Tio Eddie Benjamin.

Many of you must be wondering, too, what on earth we were up to, as all our eyes were glued to the pc, while Pilar was encoding something. Well, we were working on the awards given to our indefatigable president-for-life, Mike Cruz and to our Batch '63's Ms. B B & T - Corazon Carlos-Ramirez. Sulit naman ang pagod namin at gastos ni Tio Eddie (he paid for our lunch, the internet hours, the photocopies, the printing of the certificates and the frames!) because during the awarding, Corazon was teary-eyed, while Mike cried a river! Grabe, pati nga tayong lahat naiyak rin, di ba?

Well, thanks for featuring that pic in the blog. It's very seldom that our picture is taken with our BACKS TO THE CAMERA! PAMBIHIRA TALAGA YAN!

ON THE LIGHTER NOTES (1)

BEWARE OF WRONG E-MAIL ADDRESS:

Here’s a lesson learned from keying in an incorrect e-address. (Ever used a group or batch addresses?)

“ A Minneapolis couple decided to go to Florida to thaw out during a blistery winter. They planned to stay at the same hotel where they spent their honeymoon 20 years earlier.
But due to hectic schedules it was difficult to coordinate their travel together. So, the husband left Minnesota and flew to Florida on Thursday with his wife flying down the following day. The husband checked into the hotel. There was a computer in his room, so he decided to e-mail his wife. However, he accidentally left out a letter in her e-mail address and without realizing the typo error, sent the e-mail.

Meanwhile, somewhere in Houston, a widow had just returned home from her husband’s funeral. Her husband was a minister who was called home to glory, following a heart attack. The widow decided to check her e-mail expecting messages from relatives and friends.
After reading the first message, she screamed and fainted. The widow’s son rushed into the room, found his mother on the floor and saw the computer monitor on, which read:

To: My Loving Wife
Subject: I’VE ARRIVED
Date: 16 October 2004

I know you’re surprised to hear from me. They have computers here now and you are allowed to send e-mail to your loved ones. I’ve just arrived and have checked in. I see that everything has been prepared for your arrival tomorrow. Looking forward to see you then! Hope your journey is as uneventful as mine was.

P. S.
Sure is freaking HOT down here! “

Folks: Double check your address before hitting that “send” button, please!

Hi There,Dog Lovers !

This piece is for you,dog lovers!!Hey, I don't mean those who love to eat dog meat as "Pulutan",but those who love to take care of dogs as pets.

I am a certified dog lover,be it "askal"(asong kalye) or those with breed.I had two dogs which I have loved so much.One was "Douglas",a lovable askal which used to fetch me on Saturday evenings at the jeepney stop,after I arrive home from my MA classes at PNC many years back.And there was "Curly",a Pekengese breed, black furred lady dog.She was given to me by a friend as a gift.I was so close to Curly,spending much time during weekends combing her curly fur,removing her ticks and playing hide and seek with her.I was so fond of her and she seems to feel the same.With her around ,my weekends are complete.But the joy of having a pet did not last.I grieved so much when she died of hemmorage while pregnant.I did not know that an Askal had made her pregnant,so despite bringing her to a veterinarian,,I lost my Curly .I cried a river,so from then on until this time,I refuse to have a pet dog.

I realized later that dogs are just animals,but they do great things for us everyday,even if it is just being there for us when we get home.Here are other interesting facts I gathered from some readings:

---dogs' sense of smell are generally 10,000 to 100,000 times superior to
that of humans.
----there are service dogs for the visual and hearing -impaired,police dogs,
search and rescue dogs,therapeutic companion dogs for seniors and the
clinically depressed.
---there are dogs that work as "medic" alerts predicting seizures,dange-
rously low blood sugar levels.Recent studies say that the dog's sense of
smell may also be used to detect prostate cancer.
---human development and family studies showed that a small but significant
increase in the IQ scores of children who cared for animals in their
homes.
---researchers at the National Institute of health in the US claimed that
dogs have the ability to help people with manic depression or Bipolar
disease.They can detect people in the early stage of mania,a time when
people do things like spending their savings in a single week-end frivo-
lous purchases.
---in UK,a study found out that dogs serve as social libricant and
conversation catalyst.The positive interactions stimulated by the
dogs are key to a greater sense of psychological well being of
humans.

And in closing,"Dogs don't take the day off from greeting you at
the door,don't posture for personal gain and have no hidden agenda.They
just display unconditional love and limitless affection and loyalty ."

Remember Him?

It's his birthday today. We should be so proud that our high school bears his name. Above is a self-portrait.

For more readings on him and his life visit the following sites:

http://www.jose-rizal.eu/

http://www.joserizal.info/Biography

http://www.joserizal.info/

http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/6/8/6/6867/6867-h/6867-h.htm

America The Beautiful

Click here and be amazed! Just be sure your speaker is on.

http://mybeautifulamerica.com/mybeautifulamerica.htm

Link sent by Nelia Amparo

Norberto updates

Corazon's write-up on Norberto saw publication on June 12. That started the ball rolling. This author emailed Terry and Luz. Ernesto DR sent his to Rollie, who in turn went to Norberto's place to assess his priorities. I blogged on Norberto's plight in my personal blog, from where my son, Marc, picked it up and then shared it with Gail. As planned earlier, I wrote to Ms. Vicky Morales of Wish Ko Lang on GMA-7, and sent it twice. On the third time, I sent her a list of the sites carrying Norberto's story. We have yet to hear from WKL.

Pilar, Nelia and Edita started praying for our mission: Norberto. We also forwarded emails to our friends and relatives. A friend from way back when, Tess del Rosario, responded and offered to contact her high school chum and classmate who was with the Human Resources Department of GMA-7 before. She said that maybe he could pull some strings so our letter could be picked out from the thousands that they receive daily. Told her that we will wait for another week or two before we ask for her friend's favor.

Emails from some of our batchmates started pouring in. There were conference/single chats with Corazon, Luz, Pilar, Armando, Ernie, Tio Eddie. Ernesto K called me up by long distance to inquire how he can possibly be of help. Lest I forget, our President-for-Life, Mike, called up too, performing his duties as president of Batch '63, via long distance calls from the U.S. Wow! Can you beat that?

If and when nothing comes out yet from what we have done so far, there are other avenues to try. Let's not lose hope. We know that we can do it! BATCH'63 CAN MAKE THINGS HAPPEN! Let's work on this as one big, happy family. We will never go wrong.
Please send us feedbacks, opinions, etc. on how we should move about. Suggestions on what source of income would suit Norberto best. Doctor's opinion on whether it is still possible to fit a prosthesis on his blind eye. Offers of help/donations for his cause. Please call Luz or Rollie and let them know. They can email for you.

Thanks to all. We will be waiting...

A message to the 7 CINDERELLAS of Batch '63

Cindy LUZ, thanks for that very refreshing and interesting blog on the 7 Cinderellas. It feels good to read a unique story after the sadness evoked by the earlier ones written by Corazon and myself. You are all 'married' to your profession. You are well-traveled. You are financially independent. You still have your sexy bodies intact. You are all happy. I bet many of the married ones would gladly trade their status with you.

Batch ' 63s Seven Cinderellas

Yeah, the title is quite intriguing,and I really labored hard to find the right image to complement this blog.

Batch '63 is still keeping Seven Cinderellas.Of the seven three have now settled in the land of milk and honey,the USA and Canada,sucessful in their own right in their careers particularly.the other four are similarly situated but chose to carve their niche in the Philippines.

During the gatherings last May,no one has dared ask the six ladies present why they chose SINGLE BLESSEDNESS as their lifetime status.I am sure they have their own oft repeated reply which they will willingly share.

You might think,they missed meeting Mr Prince Charming who have picked a pair of their Golden Slippers when the clock struck 12 at a party.Or the Prince Charming got lost on his way of looking for the owner of the slipper and worst he might have been grabbed by a very clever witch.There could be more than a hundred reasons if one will really dig deeper in the lives of these seven Cinderellas. But I tell you one thing is certain,they have no regrets living their lives without a Prince.Make a wild guess!

May I therefore re introduce the ladies:Nelia,Edita,Sally,Mercy,Fely Florendo,Julie and yours truly.

Love and compassion for NORBERTO

While we were having fun that rainy night at Violet Cordero's place, Azon hardly ate dinner, for she was so busy interviewing Norberto Roxas, digging into his story. She was so overcome with compassion for him when she saw him that afternoon in their place. Blind, his foot injured, skinny, dark and all-wrinkled(probably because of too much sun exposure and poor nutrition). He was also a bit shy, and had to be fetched and cajoled to ensure his attendance that night.

Azon and I chatted ,made plans, sent emails to Ernie, Mike, Tio Eddie, Terri,Luz, Rolando, Larpi, etc.-all for Norberto's case. We did not want to put his life in danger again, so we opted to withhold the publication of Azon's article on his sad life. But the time came when we couldn't hold anymore. At this point, we agreed that time is of the essence. He's already old, like the rest of us. We have to help give some meaning and a bit of happiness to his life. I salute Ernie for saying this in his last email to me,"At this stage of our life when many of us have received so much blessings, it may be repayment period." What a lovely thought!

An artificial eye would do him good, so he can regain his self confidence. A source of income, not the dole-out type, would restore his human dignity, and would ease a bit his difficult life along with his old mother.

All these show of love and concern from us, his batchmates, would make him feel a fraction of the love that he could have gotten if only he had the chance to have a wife and children of his own.

I've written an appeal to Ms. Vicky Morales of Wish Ko Lang on Channel 7 on behalf of JRI Batch 1963. I guess it would be a great help if majority of us send letters to her asking for help for Norberto. She will take notice if she receives numerous letters, pleading for the same person.

To quote Pilar, "God made us instruments to find a way to help Norberto." How lucky we are for having been chosen as His instruments! My parents' words reverberate in my mind at this point. "Mas mapalad ang nagbibigay, kaysa sa binibigyan."

We are one in this, aren't we? ALL FOR ONE, ONE FOR ALL!

ENCOUNTERS: episode 2 - A Heart Knock Appeal

He was a young man approaching the cusp of full adulthood, freshly graduated from JRI Orion, looking forward like the rest of his batchmates to the next stage of his unfolding life. He would be wondering what lay ahead: adventures, career, family?

Accepting of the reality that college education was beyond his family’s means, he embarked on a job with the fishing industry. Still full of optimism, of hopes for better things, he took on a job that would require all his time and energy.

Then the first tragedy struck. An accidental encounter with a motorised tricycle caused big damage to one foot . In a western country, there would have been a pay-out, a financial compensation for the injury he suffered but he was not in a western country. Undeterred by this set back, he continued to work in the industry.

A second tragedy struck him. This time it was not an accident. It was a vicious and malicious attack on a hapless young man, who happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

On his way home after work, he was set upon by a group of men and bashed with metal pipes. His right eye exploded out of its socket after he was hit on the face. He was hit wherever the assailants aimed their instruments of cruelty.

Bloodied, his face mashed up and his ripped out, mangled eye frantically clutched in his hand, he was later taken not to the hospital for urgent medical attention but to a police station where he, rather than his assailants, was interrogated. He begged to be taken to the hospital, he begged and begged some more. After what seemed to him like an eternity, he was finally given medical attention.

He lost an eye. He had other horrific injuries. His young life lay in ruins at his feet.

His assailants are still out there, probably regaling their friends now and then with accounts of their night of great excitement and gloating about the fact that they were never made to answer for this senseless act of barbarism. He was too poor and lacked the “right connections” to afford justice for himself.

He was still just a young man when this happened but his job prospects had become bleak. Poor and physically disabled and psychologically scarred by this tragedy, he had not known the comfort of a wife and the pleasure of having his own children.

He is now old like the rest of his batchmates, but unlike most of us, he has suffered the very heavy hand of injustice, and through no fault of his own, was denied so many of the good things we take for granted. Justice which is a basic human entitlement has been denied to him.

With no job, no pension, no independent source of income, he now relies on his very old mother’s meagre pension to survive. Beyond that …?

Is there someone out there who may have the heart and the intellectual know-how to take up the cause of this poor man? PLEASE! Someone? Anyone?

Photo courtesy of Ernie DR

.

Lest We Forget : June 12th

Independence Day Barrio Fiesta in Brisbane

Brisbane in Queensland, Australia enjoyed fine weather as the local Filipino community remembered and celebrated our Independence Day. It was a day of great fun made more memorable with lots of Filipino delicacies (suman, banana cue, puto, lechon, pospas, pan de sal etc) and songs and dances (no Tinikling this time). Filipino courtship and how it has evolved from the time of the harana to the present was depicted on stage. For most of the oldies in the crowd it was a nostalgic trip to the homeland. If you wish to have a feel of the Brisbane scene, check out some photos in www.flickr.com/photos/jriorionbatch1963/.

My Fascination with Caves

I have always wondered why Caves fascinates me so much….I really don’t know why. Sometimes in jest I tell myself, perhaps, in my other lifetime, I have lived in caves. Who knows, I was there during that era!

In my travels ,I always end up visiting caves…in Albay, the Huyup-huyupan Cave is a sight to behold ,so with the Underground River-Cave in Palawan. I have also seen the Crystal cave in Baguio, and the one in Tuguegarao ,Cagayan. When I had the chance to tour Lebanon, courtesy of my lady boss who became the first Labor Attache there, I saw with my own eyes, two beautiful caves which are referred to as GROTTOS, the KFARHIM, which was discovered when a little boy accidentally fall down a hole while running after his ball. The other was the world famous JEITA , an almost mystical world full of natural charm and excitement.

The sites in the caves dazzle my eyes and also revive my spirit .Seeing the most impressive pure limestone, I breathed a sigh of thanksgiving, for what I am seeing is a grand sculpture only the hands of GOD can create.

If you know other caves worth visiting let me know so I can schedule a thanksgiving journey to another God’s creation.

Caves will never fail to delight and excite me !

Joke Time

The new "Who's on First"
George : "Condi! Nice to see you. What's happening?"
Condi: "Sir, I have the report here about the new leader of China ."
George : "Great. Lay it on me."
Condi: "Hu is the new leader of China ."George : "That's what I want to know."Condi: "That's what I'm telling you."
George: "That's what I'm asking you. Who is the new leader of China ?"
Condi: "Yes."
George : "I mean the fellow's name."
Condi: "Hu"
George: "The guy in China ."
Condi: "Hu."George: "The new leader of China ."
Condi: "Hu."
George: "The main man in China !"
Condi: "Hu is leading China ."
George: "Now whaddya' asking me for?"
Condi: "I'm telling you, Hu is leading China ."
George: "Well, I'm asking you. Who is leading China ?"
Condi: "That's the man's name."
George: "That's who's name?"
Condi: "Yes"
George: "Will you, or will you not, tell me the name of the new leader of China ?"
Condi: "Yes, sir."
George: "Yassir? Yassir Arafat is in China ? I thought he's dead in the Middle East ."
Condi: "That's correct."
George: "Then who is in China ?"
Condi: "Yes, sir."
George: "Yassir is in China ?"
Condi: "No, sir."
George: "Then who is?"
Condi: "Yes, sir."
George: "Yassir?"
Condi: "No, sir."
George: "Look Condi. I need to know the name of the new leader of China . Get me the Secretary General of the U.N. on the phone."
Condi: "Kofi?"
George: "No, thanks."
Condi: "You want Kofi?"
George : "No."
Condi: "You don't want Kofi."
George : "No. But now that you mention it, I could use a glass of milk. And then get me the U.N."
Condi: "Yes, sir."
George: "Not Yassir! The guy at the U.N."
Condi: "Kofi?"
George: "Milk! Will you please make the call?"
Condi: "And call who?"
George: "Who is the guy at the U.N?"
Condi: "Hu is the guy in China "
George: "Will you stay out of China ?!"
Condi: "Yes, sir."
George: "And stay out of the Middle East ! Just get me the guy at the U.N."
Condi: "Kofi."
George: "All right! With cream and two sugars."

Picture of Batch Reunion in Morong

I was digging one day into our family album and I came across this picture of our reunion at a beach in Morong Bataan near the mothballed nuclear plant. The date has passed me --- someone help!

Please note our principal and the teachers who molded us to what we are now! My snappiest salute to them, and my solemn prayers of eternal rest for Mr. Lonzon and Mr. Roxas!

My heart and my mind are still in reunion mode! Grabe talaga!!!

Annie's Cuisine - 1

From Annie's corner, here's her own version of an Italian meal that I personally endorse. She can serve this menu two or three times a week and I would not mind at all. Hope all you "culinary experts" (or wanna-be's) experiment with this recipe and share it with your (in)significant other. Have fun!

LINGUINE WITH SHRIMP SCAMPI

2 Tbsp. Vegetable oil
1 tsp. salt
3/4 lb. Linguine (or spaghetti)
3 Tbsp. Unsalted butter
2-½ Tbsp. Extra virgin olive oil
1 ½ Tbsp. Minced garlic (4 cloves)
1 Lb. Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
¼ Tsp. Ground pepper
1/3 Cup chopped parsley leaves
½ cup lemon zest, grated
¼ cup lemon juice
1/8 Tbsp. red pepper flakes



1. Boil water in a large pot. Drizzle some oil, salt and linguine. Cook for 7 to 10 minutes or according to the package direction.

2. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat to low heat. Add the garlic, sauté for a minute. BE CAREFUL NOT TO BURN THE GARLIC. Add the shrimp, salt and pepper and sauté until the shrimp turns pink, about 5 minutes, stirring often. Remove from heat. Add parsley, lemon zest, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Toss to combine.

3. When pasta is done, drain the linguine then add the shrimp and sauce. Toss well and serve.

4. This is a perfect combination with Josie’s New York sandwich. “Buon appetito!”

Live Longer Through Prayers

"I now relax my mind and my body and let GOD's healing love flow into
my bloodstream and bathe every cell and atom of my body,giving me perfect
health and life.

My heart now beats at the rate of about 70 beats per minute.My blood
pressure is normal.My digestion,my respiration and other systems of my body
now performs at maximum efficiency.While I sleep,GOD's healing power repairs,
heals and keeps my bodily organs operating perfectly.

I can live for 100 years or more,strong and healthy.I now cast all nega-
tive emotions of FEAR,HATE,WORRY,ENVY,SELFISHNESS.I now radiate LOVE,FAITH,
HOPE,HAPPINESS,FORGIVENESS,KINDNESS and other positive emotions.

I AM HAPPY,I AM HEALTHY,AND I AM FULL OF LIFE. I THANK GOD--
IN JESUS CHRIST'S NAME."


1.Affirm this prayer two to three times a day.
2.Imagine yourself doing the things you like---happy.lively and youthful.

SEE you all in 2010!!

Batchmates as Seen Through the Camera Lens (3)

From Julie's Collection of Humor in the Classroom

The classroom is one best source of humorous stories.Our batch has a number of teachers who have encountered many funny stories from their pupils. Here is one from Julie's collection.

Scenario:Grade 2 Pilipino class
Lesson:Ang Tamang gamit ng ANG at ANG MGA

Matapos ituro ng guro ang tamang gamit ng ANG at ANG MGA,nagbigay siya ng maikling pagsusulit.Sa 10,3 lamang ang tama ni Olivia.Tinanong niya ito kung alam na ang tamang gamit ng dalawang salitang iyon sa aralin.

Guro:Olivia,kailan ginagamit ang ANG?

Olivia:Ahh,sabay kamot ng ulo

Guro:(Inis na) Ano ka ba naman ,katuturo ko lang ,di ka siguro nakinig.
Kelan ginagamit ang ANG?

Olivia:( Naiiyak na) Ma'am,NGAYON po!

Guro:(Pasigaw) Ano kamo?

Olivia:(Humikbi na)O sige na po,BUKAS na lang

Guro:(di napigil ang bunghalit ng tawa) Ha,ha,ha ha!!

Teaching really gives emotional highs!!

New York Sandwich

This sandwich is very easy to prepare. It's not expensive, and is a perfect match with pasta, noodles or with juice or softdrinks (soda). Goes well with coffee, hot chocolate and with tea, too.

Ingredients:
1 loaf sliced bread (moist, white, freshly baked)
mayonnaise
eden cheese, or quick melt cheese, cut into strips (the size of french fries)
2 eggs, well beaten
japanese bread crumbs

Procedure:
1. Using a rolling pin or a bottle, flatten each slice.
2. Spread mayonnaise on one face of the flattened bread.
3. Place 1 or 2 cheese strips on the edge of the bread.
4. Starting from the edge with the cheese, roll the bread as tightly as possible.
5. Dip each rolled bread into the beaten egg, then roll on bread crumbs.
6. Heat in an oven toaster or turbo broiler, just before serving.

Optional:
Fried bacon maybe used instead of cheese.

The sandwich can be fried, too. Place on paper towels after frying to remove excess oil.

Prequel to the Grand Reunion ( A True Story, Almost)

A JRI 1963 he-batchmate visiting a she-batchmate said, “ I saw Batchmate Martha (not her real name) on Sunday and I was shocked. I didn’t recognise her at first. She looked sooo old.”

She-batchmate, quite puzzled, replied, “ When did you last see her before Sunday?”

He-batchmate answered, “ 44 years ago.”

She-batchmate said, “Well, that was a long time ago. We are old, aren’t we all?”

He-batchmate snorted, ”Yeah,but…”

In bounded She-batchmate’s 5-year old granddaughter. “Hello, Lola,” she said cheerfully and wrapped her arms around grandma’s neck.

Just then she saw He-batchmate. She peered intently at his face then turned to her grandma and sweetly asked,” Lola, is he your Dad?”

Why Bohol clicks as a tourist destination

I have been to Bohol four times in the last three years. It seems like I can't have enough of this Island Paradise, because there is the yearning to go back again and again.

The moment one steps down on the Port of Tagbilaran, the feeling of being cuddled by everyone, from the tinderas, to the employees of the Department of Tourism, gives one that feeling of peace and security.

Bohol has so much to offer. Old churches (like the Baclayon Church), a very relaxing Loboc River Cruise, Hinagdanan Cave, a Shell Museum, a giant phyton in captivity, handicrafts and delicacies, a man-made forest, whale/dolphin watching, a scuba diving haven, well-kept and reasonably priced hotels/apartelles, courteous and honest drivers, friendly and industrious natives, long stretches of clean, white beaches, a very modern Sagbayan Peak, and of course, the world-famous heaven's gift to the Boholanos, the CHOCOLATE HILLS.

There are regular TAG-MNL-TAG flights. Two very modern fastcrafts, SUPERCAT and WEESAM, ply the BOHOL-CEBU-BOHOL routes.

My friend, Angging, and I can assist you in planning your Bohol Escapade, email: macjo5474@yahoo.com

Bohol beckons!

The Guys of Batch 63 ( some of them, anyway)

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the coolest of them all? (Photo by Ernie)

The Answer to Guess Who

How did you go?

Back to Reality

Dear Everybody,

It's true that I'm back to reality but I seized the moment just like everybody.

Me and my mom got home safely. We had no problems during the trip. At the Customs they didn't even open our baggages. But I think due to change of weather I got a little sick. Hindi na sanay ngayon ang katawan ko sa lamig, sanay na sa init. I really can't get over it, medyo pagod pa ako pero hindi ko matiis na hindi tingnan ang blog site natin. Marami na akong nakitang naggagandahang pictures pero hindi pa rin tapos. Magpapahinga muna ako at ngawit na ngawit na ako.

love,

Nelia

HIGH ENERGY SEVEN DAY DIET

For those who like to lose weight,remove unwanted bulges, stay trim and

healthy,this diet is for you.

Basic Fat Burning Soup
6 large onions
6 medium size tomatoes
1 large head of cabbage
2 green peppers
1 big bunch of celery
Optional:Season with salt,curry,onion soup powder or any non calorie seasoning

Procedure:
Cut vegetables in small or medium pieces and add water.Boil fast for 10 min.
and reduce heat to simmer.Continue cooking until vegetables are tender. This
soup can be eaten anytime you are hungry,anytime of the day.This soup has
no calories.Keep refrigerated,reheat only portions you will eat.

Day to Day Menu

Day 1
All fruits except bananas.Eat your soup.For drinks,unsweetened tea,cranberry
juice and water.

Day 2
All vegetables only,eat until you are full,fresh or cooked vegetables.Eat all
the veg you want but stay away from dry beans,peas and corn.For dinner,you
can have a baked or boiled potato.


Day 3
Eat fruits and vegetables(day 1-2).Eat your soup too.No baked potato this
time.

( If you have followed the menu for three days including your fat burning soup
and have not cheated,you will find that you have lost up to 7 pounds)

Day 4

Bananas and skimmed milk only.Eat at least 8 bananas and drink as many
glasses of skimmed milk.Eat the fat burning soup too.

Day 5
Beef/Broiled Chicken without the skin(10-12 ounces)and 6 tomatoes.
Drink at least 6-8 glasses of water to wash away the uric acid,take
the soup at least once.

Day 6
Beef/broiled chicken/fish and vegetables.
Eat to your heart's content,two or three steaks with leafy veggies.Take
your soup even once.

Day 7
Brown rice,unsweetened fruit juices and veggies.Stuff yourself.Be sure to
have your soup even once this last day.

At the end of the 7th day,if you have not cheated on the above diet you
will find that you have lost 10-17 pounds.If you bave lost more than 15
pounds,stay off the diet for 2 days before resuming the diet from day 1.

DONT's:Bread,rice,pasta,alcoholic beverages,soda,even diet or unsweetened,
fried food.

Happy dieting!!