JRI Orion Batch 1963

Valentine Greetings

2012-02-10T03:47:00.003+08:00

LIfe Lessons

2012-02-06T04:26:00.000+08:00

February-Born Batchmates

2012-02-02T06:29:00.000+08:00

Corazon Carlos Ramirez--Feb.1Emma Rodriguez Magpoc---- Feb.7 Adoracion Swin Apolinario-- Feb.8 Danilo Quicho - Feb.20 Antero Quicho Feb.22
Ofelia Reyes Reyes Feb.25 Mercedes Guzman---- Feb.27

HAVE FUN !!!

Hi Batchmates, I am posting this greetings while am here at Oxnard, California. I arrived Jan 27 and staying with my sister Rezzie who got sick. She is okay now and fast recovering from Pulmonary embolism, blood clot in the lungs. Thanks to everyone who prayed for her during her critical hours at the hospital.

2012-01-21T12:15:00.002+08:00

Russian roulette

Arnold has a revolver which holds up to six bullets. There are two bullets in the gun, in adjacent chambers. He decides to play Russian roulette (on his own!). He first spins the cylinder so that he does not know where the bullets are and then pulls the trigger.

Assuming that Arnold survives this first attempt, is he now better off pulling the trigger a second time without spinning the cylinder again or would he be better off spinning the cylinder again before pulling the trigger?

20 Ways to Get Good Karma

2012-01-06T14:20:00.001+08:00

1. Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk. 2. When you lose, don’t lose the lesson. 3. Follow the three R’s: - Respect for self, - Respect for others and - Responsibility for all your actions. 4. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck. 5. Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly. 6. Don’t let a little dispute injure a great relationship. 7. When you realize you’ve made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it. 8. Spend some time alone every day. 9. Open your arms to change, but don’t let go of your values. 10. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer. 11. Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you’ll be able to enjoy it a second time. 12. A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life. 13. In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation. Don’t bring up the past. 14. Share your knowledge. It is a way to achieve immortality. 15. Be gentle with the earth. 16. Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before. 17. Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other. 18. Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it. 19. If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. 20. If you want to be happy, practice compassion. By The Dalai Lama

Birthday Greetings

2012-01-06T09:12:00.000+08:00

For the January-born batchmates, celebrate your birthday, as you turn ____today,with the perfect gifts of Love, Prosperity and Health that on very special day, God gave away : 1. Eslao Sabino 17 2.Lucy Santos Jungaya 24 3. Linda Aquino Pangan 30

Orion Parish Church at Dawn

2011-12-31T09:19:00.000+08:00

New Year Greetings

2011-12-30T15:24:00.000+08:00

Welcome the early sun of the New Year with open arms and sweet smile.Let's anticipate good times ahead and wish that our dreams and aspirations all come true.

GetTogether Dec. 29,2011.

2011-12-30T11:08:00.000+08:00

We had a brief meeting after the merienda . With 9 gentlemen and 10 ladies, we initially discussed the suggested activities for the 50th Anniversary of Batch 1963. I will post the suggestions later and please send your suggestions too..

Maligayang Pasko

2011-12-21T10:13:00.000+08:00

Maligayang Bati sa iyong Kaarawan,Hesus !

More Photos

2011-12-13T09:46:00.001+08:00

Aida's Send Off

During the wake of Eslao's sister

Some Photos

2011-12-13T08:57:00.001+08:00

Aida's retirement /Send off Party December 12 at the DepEd Division Office Balanga

With Deepest Symphaty

2011-12-01T23:06:00.000+08:00

To the family of Estaneslao Sabino, our condolences for the loss of your sister. May God give you strength during this time of grieving .

Celebrate a Grand Birthday

2011-12-01T11:46:00.001+08:00

" If prayer kept all of you looking and feeling younger, then there would be a lot of people praying on their birthday. Happy Birthday to all December born batchmates "1 Lourdes Garcia Cruz6 Josefina Javier Macalua9 Concepcion Rivero Ladores12 Julita Sabino Mariano13 Zenaida Mendoza Sison23 Rolando Reyes26 Carmelita Canaria Almazan27 Violeta Feliciano Cordero28 Inocencio Simeon

President Mike is Home For A Visit

2011-11-27T18:24:00.001+08:00

Batchmates,President Mike is here. He called me up this morning, they are here to visit his mother in law whose health is failing ' I am also told that Rollie also back home from his vacation in the US . Expect a get together ,for the birthday celebration of our batchmates. WELCOME BACK, Mike and Rollie!

For the Family of Julita Sabino Mariano

2011-11-24T08:21:00.001+08:00

Our condolences to the family of our classmate Julita Sabino Mariano for thr demise of her brother, Antonio. This afternoon we will be at the wake . May the comfort of God help you during this difficult time.

Bataan Towns Under Shellfish Ban

2011-11-23T14:48:00.001+08:00

MANILA, Philippines – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) issued a shellfish ban in seven towns here after a woman died while four others are in critical condition for shellfish poisoning.BFAR red tide monitoring placed the following areas under shellfish ban: Balanga City, Mariveles, Limay, Orion, Pilar, Abucay, Samal and Orani.The agency said the areas “are now positive for the red tide toxin.”Melinda Lucio (71) from the fishing village of Tabing-Ilog in Samal town died eating sunset shells (sulib). The victim’s husband Ramundo and grandson Bryan Lucio were hospitalized.Two others from the village, Remedios dela Cruz and Dexter Esconde, complained of vomiting, stomach ache and numbness of lips after eating "sulib".

2011-11-14T17:08:00.001+08:00

My trip to Morro bay,Pismo Beach &Solvang on my B'day

2011-11-14T16:15:00.012+08:00

Wall Photo

2011-11-06T09:04:00.000+08:00

I found this wall photo in Facebook for those whose birth month is November.

FREE BRAIN AGE GAMES

2011-11-03T12:08:00.003+08:00

How healthy is your brain?

Try this game:

http://www.freebrainagegames.com/done.php

November Born Batchmates

2011-11-01T13:20:00.001+08:00

Wishing you all the great things in life, hope this day will bring you an extra share of all that makes you happiest. Annie Navarro Benjamin - 8 , Rolando San Jose - 11, Belen Buenaventura Almazan 17, Alfredo Almazan - 18, Anselmo Labrador- 28, Francisco Herilla - 30 Licerio Evangelista -30 .

Mickey's Halloween Party

2011-10-31T23:50:00.007+08:00

Na miss ko na naman yung Undas. Happy Halloween everyone!

Happy Halloween

2011-10-30T07:42:00.000+08:00

Halloween History & Origin

Halloween is the one of the oldest holidays still celebrated today. It's one of the most popular holidays, second only to Christmas. While millions of people celebrate Halloween without knowing its origins and myths, the history and facts of Halloween make the holiday more fascinating.
Some people view Halloween as a time for fun, putting on costumes, trick-or-treating, and having theme parties. Others view it as a time of superstitions, ghosts, goblins and evil spirits that should be avoided at all costs.
As the Christian debate goes on, celebrating Halloween is a preference that is not always viewed as participating in an evil holiday. Halloween is often celebrated with no reference to pagan rituals or the occult.

Halloween is on October 31st, the last day of the Celtic calendar. It was originally a pagan holiday, honoring the dead. Halloween was referred to as All Hallows Eve and dates back to over 2000 years ago.
All Hallows Eve is the evening before All Saints Day, which was created by Christians to convert pagans, and is celebrated on November 1st. The Catholic church honored saints on this designated day.

While there are many versions of the origins and old customs of Halloween, some remain consistent by all accounts. Different cultures view Halloween somewhat differently but traditional Halloween practices remain the same.

Halloween culture can be traced back to the Druids, a Celtic culture in Ireland, Britain and Northern Europe. Roots lay in the feast of Samhain, which was annually on October 31st to honor the dead.
Samhain signifies "summers end" or November. Samhain was a harvest festival with huge sacred bonfires, marking the end of the Celtic year and beginning of a new one. Many of the practices involved in this celebration were fed on superstition.

The Celts believed the souls of the dead roamed the streets and villages at night. Since not all spirits were thought to be friendly, gifts and treats were left out to pacify the evil and ensure next years crops would be plentiful. This custom evolved into trick-or-treating.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN , everyone !

When To Drink More Water

2011-10-29T09:52:00.001+08:00

Drinking water at the correct time
maximizes its effectiveness on the human body :

2 glasses of water after waking up - helps activate internal organs
1 glass of water 30 minutes before a meal - helps digestion
1 glass of water before taking a bath - helps lower blood pressure
1 glass of water before going to bed - avoids stroke or heart attack

By: Bala Krishnan

My Ferrari and motorcycle

2011-10-26T15:50:00.006+08:00

Photos

2011-10-22T22:27:00.000+08:00

Taken at the Louis Resort and Restaurant during lunch at the christening of the grand daughter of Siony October 22, 2011.

heritage festival

2011-10-20T23:55:00.005+08:00

Just went to a Heritage Festival in Placentia. There were lots of marching bands, Butch Cassidy, horsewomen. The parade was superb until the shit hit the fan!

Klasmeyts, buhay pa ako!

2011-10-11T20:54:00.004+08:00

Well, I am, I really am!

Been 'absent' from our blog for so many months now.

So, I'm taking this opportunity to say 'BELATED HAPPY BIRTHDAY" to those whom I was not able to greet on their special day.

To say "CONGRATULATIONS" to those whom I should have congratulated for special achievements, addition to their families, etc. etc.

To offer my "CONDOLENCES" to those who lost their loved one.

I guess I've hurdled the '180-degree turn' in my life here in the U.S.

So that's it, KLASMEYTS! I'm back, and I hope I'm still welcome to go back where I left off.

LUV U ALL!!!

God Hears our Prayers

2011-10-10T09:22:00.002+08:00

Saint Teresa of Avila,the founder nof the Carmelite Order dedicated most of her life teaching a deep and lasting love of prayer beginning with a treatment of the three essentials of the prayer-filled life -- fraternal love, detachment from created things, and true humility.

Hurrah to the October Born !

2011-10-02T08:30:00.003+08:00

With a new year of your journey, shall come more challenges, opportunities and greater success. May God bless you all . Happy Birthday to:

Amory Trajano---3 Rizalino Baluyot,Jr.--9

Pilar Villegas Cuevas ---12 Nelia Amparo---15

Ruben Baluyot ---31

Let's Exercise Our Minds

2011-09-14T08:35:00.005+08:00

I have a 3-minute egg timer and a 4-minute egg timer.

The problem is that I need to measure 5 minutes. Can this be done with the two timers?

The timers are the old-fashioned kind that contain sand ... and you turn them over when they have completely emptied the sand into the bottom chamber.

Post your answer in the comments. Good luck!

Congratulations on the Newest Member of the Family.

2011-09-04T15:42:00.010+08:00

Fely and Meling have a new angel in their growing brood of grandchildren. Gail gave birth to a baby girl in Australia last August 31. It's always a joyous occasion in the family when a newborn arrives. Congratulations, Lola and Lolo !

2011-09-04T14:49:00.002+08:00

Trip to Coronado Beach

2011-09-04T14:00:00.007+08:00

Last Friday I took a day off and headed to the beach with Michael and my brother,Fred.We went to Coronado Beach in San Diego which according to the travel channel is one of the top ten most beautiful beaches in Southern California,in fact the number one which I agree.We were not able to go to this beach when we had our reunion in San Diego because our time was very limited,it was very close to the hotel where we stayed,where Frank works as a manager.I would like to share with you some of the pictures,you may ignore my picture,just look at the background.But being away from work even for one day is very relaxing,we just ate and walked along the beach until the sunset.

2011-09-02T15:01:00.003+08:00

I came across Butch Bautista in San Diego and along the way, I met ...... Tinkerbell and Batgirl. Happy birthday to the September birthday celebrants.

Birthday Greetings to September -Born Batchmates

2011-09-01T09:25:00.004+08:00

1. Rosa Villegas Balmaceda --- 4
2. Ofelia Angeles Calimbas --- 6
3. Alfredo Gabriel ---- ---- -- --- 9
4. Ramon Lacson ---- ----- -- --- 16

"Age is strictly a case of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter." -

Condolence to Emma Rodriguez Magpoc and Family

2011-08-31T17:31:00.004+08:00

Emma's sister, Ate Anching ( Constancia Kapuno ) passed away today.

We pray that the love of God enfolds you during your difficult times and He helps you heal with the passage of time.May your heart and soul find peace and comfort.

Send-Off/ Retirement Program

2011-08-26T21:39:00.015+08:00

I wanted to share to you , batchmates some photos taken at the Send - Off program for my retirement. It was held during the celebration of TESDA's 17th Anniversary last August 16,2011 at the TESDA Regional Training Center in Mariveles, Bataan.. Indeed , the affair was filled with so much emotions .

The Passing of Pareng Mike's Tiya Ilang

2011-08-15T15:25:00.003+08:00

On behalf of our batchmates,I would like to convey our heartfelt condolence to the whole family and relatives of Mrs.Petronila Caling who Pareng Mike calls tiya Ilang.Pareng Mike,I'm so sorry to hear about this.Editha called me earlier today and informed me about her passing.I'm so glad that I had the chance to met her when we had our mini reunion in San Diego.She was with us in one of our pictures.

According to Editha she will be laid to rest in San Diego on Saturday.August 20th.We will be praying for the repose of her soul and for the whole family also.Eternal rest grant unto her oh Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her.May she rest in peace ,amen!

My Last Day at TESDA...Pictorials

2011-08-05T13:10:00.006+08:00

Officially, I was retired from the government service July 29,2011. Here are some photos with my co employees with whom I have shared 34 years at TESDA . Ten years of my service was with Dep Ed as a teacher. Now I have to build another career ...that is being a productive retiree. I will be joining most of our batchmates who are spending their fruitful years doing other activities.

Maligayang Kaarawan

2011-08-02T18:07:00.008+08:00

sa mga isinilang sa buwan ng Agosto

Ernie Del Rosario 5

Mike Cruz 29

Rene Feliciano 30

Narding Cruz 31

Marubdob na pagbati sa inyo. Nawa'y maging masaya, malusog at mapayapa kayo sa mga darating pang kaarawan , Saan ba ang pagdiriwang ?

Mini reunion with Mok,Fely,Luna and Families

2011-07-25T15:55:00.012+08:00

Mini reunion with Mok,Fely and Luna and families

2011-07-25T15:23:00.005+08:00

We just had another fun filled mini renion with Mok,Fely,Luna and their families last Thursday,July 21st at Mok's daughter's place in Sherman Oaks.It lasted for 9 hours of nonstop chatting and eating.We never ran out topic,dere deretso.Pareng Mike called before I left and Editha called while we were there so everybody got to talk to her.There was so much food as you will see in the pictures that I will attach to this blog.It's too bad that the rest of our classmates who are here couldn't make it.It's understandable because of the work schedules and some of them have commitments.Ernie Santos who was supposed to be here got sick just before the reunion and the doctor adviced him not to travel,but he is ok now,he called me earlier today asking how our reunion was.Here are the pics,enjoy!

Orion hosts P21-billion power plant

2011-07-19T13:15:00.003+08:00

Batch mates , I am sharing this news from the Manila Standard Today newspaper July 19, 2011 edition.

by Butch Gunio

ORION, Bataan—-A firm is putting up a P21-billion power plant using American steam technology in processing garbage to generate electricity.

Mayor Jose “Pepe” Santos led the cornerstone laying joined by Nasir Dharan Jama, of the international bankers along with Jose Utrillo, president and chief executive of the Concord Pacific Investment Holdings Ltd. Inc., a group of contractors, and local and village executives.

Utrillo said the plant will be the first of its kind in the country to produce steam from waste to turn turbines to produce electricity.

“This is an American technology. It will take at least 17 months to complete its construction,” Utrillo said.

In his remarks, he assured Santos that the townsfolk would be the main beneficiaries of the $500-million project in terms of thousands of jobs to be opened and a local supply of power at subsidized cost.

Utrillo said the daily 200 metric tons of waste collected would generate 12.8 megawatt electricity that would meet demand of 50 percent of the Bataan province.

He said the technology answered not only the power needs of households, business and industry but also in helping solve the problem of waste disposal.

“We accepted and approved to host the project since this is environment-friendly, no gas emission, and no air and water pollution,” said Santos, who commended the foreign firms for investing in the town.

Concord Pacific has acquired a 100-hectare property in upland Sitio Pita, Barangay Daan Pare, to be the site of the power plant complex that will include housing, hospital, and a leisure center.

2011-07-01T17:42:00.000+08:00

2011-07-01T17:22:00.001+08:00

Happy birthday sa mga July celebrants! Sana nandiyan ako sa celebration, pero baka mahuli ko si Butoy sa San Diego. At least na meet ko yung isa sa transformers. Or was it Boltes 5? Matanda na talaga ako.

Have a Great Birthday, July born Batchmates

2011-07-01T08:24:00.001+08:00

An occasion as special as this deserves to be celebrated in a big way . Cheers to :

1.Generoso De Guzman -------- 17
2.Antonio Apolinario ------- 20
3.Julia Santos --------------- 21
4.Lucila Quicho -------------- 29
5.Alberto Bautista ---------- 29

Luneta in Shanghai,China

2011-06-23T11:16:00.003+08:00

In the picture wearing red, are the couples Leonardo and Fe Quicho . Kuya Leo is a JRI Batch 1962 graduate . I am sharing an article published in the Inquirer. The write up is a sort of success story of a Pinoy from Orion doing business in another part of the world.

There’s a Luneta in Shanghai, China.

No, it’s not a park. It’s a restaurant that serves Filipino cuisine initiated by couple Leonardo “Leo” and Fe Quicho who saw the opportunity to introduce Filipino culture to residents of China’s historic cosmopolitan city.

What brought them to Shanghai, despite being long-time US residents since the ‘70s, is a story that tells of the couple’s winding journey home.

“Our initial plan was to retire in Manila and start a business to keep me busy. We bought a townhouse in Quezon City that was supposed to be finished in December 2008 but it was not finished until August 2009,” he tells the Inquirer.

The couple were in Shanghai at the time and while waiting for their condo to be completed, Luneta was born.

US Experience

Fe, a native of Imus, Cavite, migrated to the US in 1969 as an exchange student under a Medical Technology program. Leo, an engineer working for a refinery in Limay, Bataan, followed in 1971 and met up with Fe in Detroit, Michigan.

In 1971, a recession in the US made it difficult for Leo to find a job as an engineer. He decided to work as car mechanic. Fe worked as a medical technologist. They have two daughters and a son.

“When the economy improved I was hired as an engineer at Ford Motor Co. I was able to obtain an Automotive Technician License and opened an automotive repair shop. I also obtained a Builder’s License and started building houses and condominiums,” he shares.

Leo later left his job at Ford to concentrate on his automotive and real estate ventures. He eventually sold his businesses and retired at the age of 50.

Bored, Leo found work again, this time as an engineer for General Motors. The job entailed frequent travel to China since 1996 to train engineers of the company’s Shanghai Office.

It was from these overseas assignments that he became familiar with China despite his inability to speak the language.

From coffee to ‘adobo’

In 2008, the couple saw the opportunity to do business in China by taking over the management of a Filipino coffee shop, Figaro, at Xintiandi, Shanghai’s entertainment and shopping district.

The Figaro coffee shop closed down on March 2009 after the landlord raised the rent. But since the couple’s Manila townhouse was not yet finished, they decided to look for another location to open a Filipino restaurant—a first in Shanghai.

They found a good place on Julu Road, near Fumin Road, a serene street that is host to small boutiques and private residences.

They retained the 15 employees of the coffee shop consisting of three Filipinos and 12 Chinese and opened Luneta Restaurant on August 28, 2009.

The name was inspired by the famous Luneta Park, where national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal was executed on December 30, 1898. (It has since been renamed Rizal Park.)

Luneta in Shanghai serves signature Filipino dishes such as chicken and pork adobo, sinigang, crispy pata, kare-kare, pinakbet and Bicol express. Pancit bihon guisado, palabok, tortang talong are also included in the menu. Leche flan, halo-halo and sago’t gulaman are also served.

Lechon is served with an advanced order.

Learning the ropes

“We took it as a challenge to pioneer in opening a Filipino restaurant that no one dared to do. We want to have more Filipino employees but it is hard to get them working visas,” Leo says.

The first major task was to get a license and start the renovations of their new restaurant.

“It is very difficult… you have to pay cash for everything,” shares Leo.

The other challenge was promoting Philippine cuisine, which is still unfamiliar to the Chinese, whose culture and palate is already gastronomically rich.

“We worked hard to make our food consistent and the quality very good (some of our ingredients we have to buy from Manila). Finally, after about eight months, we broke even and started making some profit. But our cost of food is high and we don’t want to increase our prices as we are just starting to promote the Philippine cuisine,” he says.

Pinoy sing-alongs

While they advertise in City Weekend and Shanghai Daily, Leo says it is the customers themselves who promote the restaurant to their friends. Filipinos, for instance, invite Chinese and other foreign friends to dine at Luneta.

The restaurant’s dining area has a small stage where sing-alongs are held in the evenings, Thursday to Saturday—a proof of the Filipinos’ love for singing.

Chinese waitresses can be heard greeting guests in Filipino. They are also able to explain what ingredients a Filipino dish has.

The restaurant also promotes tourism in its own right with pictures of destinations such as Bohol and Palawan prominently displayed.

Its website, www.lunetashanghai.com, features trivia about Philippine culture, customs, traditions and heritage.

A close-knit community

Like many Filipino communities abroad, the Filipinos in Shanghai are a close-knit group.

According to the consulate in Shanghai, there are 3,500 registered in the city, mostly professionals like engineers, architects, teachers, finance officers, corporate directors, musicians and restaurant managers.

At Shanghai’s Catholic churches, Filipinos comprise the choir groups. Leo and Fe are active in planning the annual Philippine Independence Day celebration and Christmas party.

Fund raising charities also bring them together. When Typhoon Ondoy hit Manila in 2009, the Filipinos in Shanghai organized a fund-raising activity that raised 121,000 RMB (more than P800,000), which Leo personally handed to a television network.

They also donated 35,000 RMB (about P233,000) to earthquake victims of China.

Filipinos in Shanghai donated 30 houses to Gawad Kalinga in Daet, Camarines Norte which was named as Shanghai Village. The couple also donated the Sibol School for GK in Orion, Bataan.

Doing business in China

Couple Leo and Fe Quicho opened Luneta, the first Filipino restaurant in Shanghai, China, on Aug. 28, 2009. It caters to some 3,500 Pinoys in the bustling city as well as other expats and local Chinese.

To any Filipino planning to live, work and do business abroad, Leo says: “Due diligence is necessary.”

We encountered some problems that we did not expect. There are varying business requirements for different districts in Shanghai.” They approved the plan that we submitted but when we are about to open, an inspector visited our restaurant and told us we had to separate the washing area from the kitchen. So we had to remove some walls again and build a separate washing area,” he said.

Another major challenge is getting working visas for their Filipino employees since the Chinese government limits the number of employees the establishment can hire from the Philippines.

About 75 percent of the restaurant’s customer base is Filipino; the remaining 25 percent is a mix of other expats and local Chinese.

Leo said they are slowly gaining more Chinese customers. The restaurant has just started a promotion with Chinese website, dianping.com, which offers dinner for two for 79 yuan (around P553). A Luneta homepage was also opened at weibo.com so the management can interact more with Chinese customers.

“We are getting a lot of requests and questions about our food,” he said.

Ludi's Mom Passed Away

2011-06-20T22:23:00.000+08:00

Today, I received the sad news about the passing of Ludi's mother here in Toronto. I do not know the other details except this.

Ludi, please accept our deepest condolence!

May all members of the family experience God's loving presence in your time of grief!

Father's Day

2011-06-18T14:01:00.004+08:00

Father's Day is a celebration honoring fathers and celebrating fatherhood, paternal bonds, and the influence of fathers in society. It is celebrated on the third Sunday of June in many countries.
So for batch'63 fathers, celebrate your day and cherish the moments.

HOLY HUMOR

2011-06-17T11:58:00.005+08:00

**A father was approached by his small son who told him proudly, "I know what the Bible means!"
His father smiled and replied, "What do you mean, you 'know' what the Bible means?
The son replied, "I do know!"
"Okay," said his father. "What does the Bible mean?"
"That's easy, Daddy..." the young boy replied excitedly," It stands for 'Basic Information Before Leaving Earth.' (This one is my favorite)

=======

There was a very gracious lady who was mailing an old family Bible to her brother in another part of the country.
"Is there anything breakable in here?" asked the postal clerk.
"Only the Ten Commandments." answered the lady.

========

"Somebody has said there are only two kinds of people in the world. There are those who wake up in the morning and say, "Good morning, Lord," and there are those who wake up in the morning and say, "Good Lord, it's morning."

========

A minister parked his car in a no-parking zone in a large city because he was short of time and couldn't find a space with a meter.
Then he put a note under the windshield wiper that read: "I have circled the block 10 times. If I don't park here, I'll miss my appointment. Forgive us our trespasses."
When he returned, he found a citation from a police officer along with this note "I've circled this block for 10 years. If I don't give you a ticket I'll lose my job. Lead us not into temptation."

========

There is the story of a pastor who got up one Sunday and announced to his congregation: "I have good news and bad news. The good news is, we have enough money to pay for our new building program. The bad news is, it's still out there in your pockets."

========

A minister waited in line to have his car filled with gas just before a long holiday weekend. The attendant worked quickly, but there were many cars ahead of him. Finally, the attendant motioned him toward a vacant pump.
"Reverend," said the young man, "I'm so sorry about the delay. It seems as if everyone waits until the last minute to get ready for a long trip."
The minister chuckled, "I know what you mean. It's the same in my business."

========

People want the front of the bus, the back of the church, and the center of attention.

========

The minister was preoccupied with thoughts of how he was going to ask the congregation to come up with more money than they were expecting for repairs to the church building. Therefore, he was annoyed to find that the regular organist was sick and a substitute had been brought in at the last minute. The substitute wanted to know what to play.
"Here's a copy of the service," he said impatiently. "But, you'll have to think of something to play after I make the announcement about the finances."

During the service, the minister paused and said, "Brothers and Sisters, we are in great difficulty; the roof repairs cost twice as much as we expected and we need $4,000 more. Any of you who can pledge $100 or more, please stand up."
At that moment, the substitute organist played "The Star Spangled Banner."
And that is how the substitute became the regular organist.

Batcmates, I got this article from an email. Keep Smiling!

Making a rose garden, bead by bead

2011-06-17T09:58:00.004+08:00

I got this article from Josie's post in Facebook. She was a participant in the rosary making project in their community and she was interviewed by OA On Line in Odessa ,Texas . Hurray to Josie ! JRI Orion Batch 1963 is so proud of you!

IF YOU GO:

What: Rosary-making class.
When: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday.
Where: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 7601 N. Grandview.
Call: 432-367-4657. For future classes, call Ave Maria Catholic Gifts and Books at 332-2833.

June 13, 2011 8:27 PM

BY LYXAN TOLEDANES

Holding a thin metal wire between her fingers, Theresa Arocha carefully tried to slip the wire through the tiny hole of a brightly colored bead.

The bead fell into place, but, when Arocha tried to bend and cut the other end of the wire, her miniature creation fell between her fingers and bounced onto the tabletop.

“The hardest part is cutting the wire,” Arocha said as she tried again. “This is not going to be a fast process.”

Arocha, along with nine other women, were at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church on June 9 to learn how to make a rosary. Taught by Ave Maria Catholic Gifts and Books store owner Julie Caballero, the class will meet a final time Thursday.

Caballero said she was asked by the church’s pastor, the Rev. Mark Woodruff, to teach the two-session class, but will teach more classes throughout the summer.

For more than seven centuries, Catholics have used rosary beads as a way to track a sequence of 10 Hail Mary prayers while contemplating the life of Jesus Christ through a different set of holy mysteries each night.

After sifting through piles of assorted beads, crucifixes and coils of wires, the women sat down and prepared to make their first rosaries. The task of making individual beaded links proved more difficult for the class than originally thought, but it’s one Caballero said is perfected through time.

Caballero has been making rosaries for 15 years and can make an individual rosary in two hours. Caballero learned from her mother, who was a member of a rosary-making group at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in the 1980s and 1990s.

Caballero has been teaching rosary-making classes for around eight years.

“It’s more special if it’s one you make yourself,” Caballero said. “In this day and age, there’s not much people make themselves any more. I love to pray the rosary my mom made me. She was very close to the Blessed Mother, and the rosary was made with a lot of love.”

While the act of making a rosary is special in itself, for Josephina Macalua, the materials are just as important. Through the piles of glass beads provided, Macalua chose to use Job’s Tears beads, the same type of beads used by Mother Teresa in her rosary.

“I just picked it up, and I loved it,” Macalua said. “Mother Teresa was a living saint when she was alive. Using a rosary like she was using, it will have some effect (during prayer).”

Macalua, a member of St. Elizabeth’s rosary group, will add her first self-made rosary to a notable collection, which includes a rosary from the Vatican and blessed by Pope Benedict XVI, one from Lourdes, France, and one from the Philippines, her native country.

Caballero said many of the self-made rosaries are usually kept by the makers with subsequent rosaries made given to family and friends.

“You can be doing this in the evening and say a prayer,” Arocha said. “And it would be just more intense if I give it to a friend. I prayed for them while I made it for them.”

@OAlifestyle

Mini reunion with Ernie and Brenda

2011-06-12T13:22:00.007+08:00

Pix from mini reunion with Mok and family

2011-06-12T12:43:00.005+08:00

A visit to Mok and family.

2011-06-10T14:51:00.002+08:00

Today I visited Mok and Cora at their daughter's house in Sherman Oaks.I saw Julian who is only a few days old and he is very cute,they said he looks like his Dad.That's why he is so cute he doesn't look like the grandpa,only kidding Mok.The pix will follow as I haven't downloaded it yet.Anyway Grace's house is very nice and cute and they are still in the process of renovation but as of now it looks so nice already.Anyway we went to El Toreto and had some Mexican food.I have to go to work so we only had a short time chatting but we enjoyed every minute of it including getting lost which may be caused by the margarita that I had,either that or natiyanak kami.We were so close to the house already but we couldn't find it,I had to call Grace.Cora wants me to go back before they leave,she will cook some Pilipino food,and I said I'll wait till Rollie arrives,maybe we can go together with Fely and Meling.I will try to call Luna also.

This is all for now,have a nice day everyone.

Another Joke

2011-06-07T14:51:00.002+08:00

A woman has 5 boys and all of them have the same name,Jose.People were asking her if she calls them who would answer since they have the same name.Then she said,they would know because they all have different last names.He,he,he.

Another Batch Pictorials

2011-06-06T09:55:00.014+08:00

90th Birthday of Edita's Father held at Hacienda Violeta In Duale, Limay, Bataan January 5,2011

After Nanding's Interment at Evergreen

A little joke.

2011-06-06T04:32:00.002+08:00

My dear classmates,

After all the heartaches that we have been through lately,i think we deserve to put a little smile on our faces.I came from church today and the Pilipino priest said this joke during mass.

There was a woman who took her child to the priest to be baptized.The priest asked her what name she wanted for the child.She said ,Honda,the priest said,but it's a name of a car.The woman said,don't worry about it father,I named the 1st one,Mercedes and I have 5 kids,the 2nd one is Ford ,the 3rd is Ram , the 4th is Beattle,and the youngest is Honda.The priest then asked,what would you like me to baptize your child with,Diesel or Premium?

Here's another one from the same priest:

There was a sick man in a hospital who was visited by his friend who is a priest.When the priest came to visit him,he was surrounded by his relatives,he was in a respirator.The patient couldn't talk but he could write.While the priest was by his side he asked for a pen and a piece of paper.After writing, he handed it to the priest and the priest put it in his pocket without reading it.After that ,the patient died.While saying the prayers at the graveside,the priest remembered that his friend had given him a note, so he took it from his pocket and read it aloud.It said,father you stepped on the oxygen tubing.No wonder he died.Poor guy.

Another mini reunion with Eddie and Annie with my nephew Michael at Victoria Gardens in Rancho Cucamonga.

2011-06-05T15:39:00.011+08:00

Bataan : Rediscovered

2011-06-03T09:52:00.014+08:00

The Shrine Of Valor or Dambana ng Kagitingan

The Shrine Of Valor or Dambana ng Kagitingan

The Bataan Technology Park, formerly the Bataan Refugee Processing Center
in Morong where the recently inaugurated first Shrine of Blessed Pope John Paul II was located .

Cheers to June - Born Batchmates

2011-06-03T09:33:00.002+08:00

Three gentlemen and two ladies are celebrating their birthday this month of June. Let us join the celebration of Luna 8, Lagrimas 15, Perting and Joey 19 and Juanito 16. We wish you more blessings, good health and happiness.

Condolence to Eddie / Annie Benjamin and Family

2011-06-01T16:15:00.005+08:00

From Nelia ,I learned that the father of Eddie , Mr. Joaquin Benjamin died yesterday (US time ) in San Diego. Let us offer our prayers and sympathy.

At Nanding's Wake

2011-06-01T12:53:00.006+08:00

Yesterday afternoon at about past 2 pm we,Rollie, Joey. Renato. Ramon, Perlita Belen, Ofelia and Emma arrived at Nanding's wake. We were informed by his wife Mila that he will be interred at Evergreen Memorial Park in Orion on Saturday June 4.Here are some photos:

Rest in Paradise, Nanding

2011-05-31T08:10:00.003+08:00

A Sad News for Batch 63

2011-05-30T15:47:00.002+08:00

Batch mates, Belen sent this news about Leonardo Sto. Domingo ,he died of heart attack last night, May 29. I will post other details as soon as I receive the latest from Belen.

Memorial Shrine of Pope John Paul II in Morong, Bataan

2011-05-24T15:57:00.009+08:00

Hundreds of visitors flocked to the Bataan Technology Park (BTP) in Morong for the unveiling of the Blessed John Paul II memorial shrine last May 2.

BTP Inc. used to be a refugee center for some 400,000 Vietnamese, Laotians, and Cambodians who escaped conflict in their countries during the late 1970s.

Blessed John Paul II, then the pope, visited the center during his first trip to the Philippines in 1981.

While most of the "boat people" did not know who he was, BTPI officials said his presence uplifted the refugees' spirit and demonstrated the late Pope's immense love and concern for "all the children of God."

A life-sized statue of Blessed John Paul II was constructed in the shrine out of cement and sand by Conrado Balubuayan of Sta. Cruz, Laguna.

It depicts the late pope standing on top of a boat with a family of refugees.

The shrine is meant to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Blessed John Paul II's first visit to the Philippines and celebrate his beatification May 1 .
From ABS CBN news

Friendship

2011-05-22T11:06:00.002+08:00

Friendship improves happiness and abates misery, by doubling our joy and dividing our grief.

2011-05-20T16:25:00.000+08:00

2011-05-20T16:18:00.001+08:00

2011-05-20T16:12:00.000+08:00

2011-05-20T16:06:00.000+08:00

2011-05-20T16:00:00.001+08:00

2011-05-20T15:54:00.000+08:00

2011-05-20T15:46:00.001+08:00

2011-05-20T15:39:00.000+08:00

Hospital week

2011-05-20T15:27:00.002+08:00

Two weeks ago we had our lab week,but last week it was hospital week.I gained a few pounds because we have food everyday,that's why I'm trying to lose some of it but it's very hard.It's easier to gain than lose.Anyway,here's some of the pix from the celebration.

Walk for a Cause

2011-05-19T11:52:00.006+08:00

In support of the Save the River Campaign ( San Vicente River ), we, along with other NGO's and civic minded Orionese, participated in the Walk for a Cause on 19May. We also managed to donate some funds. We also hope that the people of Orion were made aware of the sad state of the riverand will contribute towards saving it. The fund raising is a continuing process to sustain the periodic clean up of the river.

The Guns of Corregidor

2011-05-16T17:26:00.008+08:00

Really, really big guns! The 18 inch shell is bigger than my body. The view is spectacular, swimming is excellent! Definitely better than Arlington!

RIVER CLEAN UP

2011-05-15T11:49:00.003+08:00

Last Friday the 13th of May, the Orion River Clean Up Project was launched with the USA core group and various NGO's & GO's participating. The project is aimed at saving the San Vicente river which is heavily silted and garbage strewn. The Rotary Club of Orion for it's part has put signs and slogans along the river to instill awareness among the people of Orion against throwing of garbage into the river. As an NGO, we are only a small cog in the wheel but hope to contribute however small. May 19 will be a fun walk to generate funds for the clean up project. Maybe Batch 63 can participate as a group

Punta de Udyong Resort

2011-05-14T20:37:00.006+08:00

This is a new place in Orion, an Inland Resort for weddings, birthdays , reunions and summer outings. It is spacious and landscaped . It is located in Sta Ana, Barangay Balagtas .

What's Going on with our Blog?

2011-05-12T19:21:00.001+08:00

Something weird is going on and I am not sure what it is.

I am posting as orionjri but as I write, my post is being published as by Josie. Josie's name also appears under my earlier post.

Rolly's posts appear in his real name.

Is this happening on your screen?

Does anyone know what is going on here? I sure don't. Let's just hope the blog survives this.

Update 1:
Still signed on as orionjri I checked our permission page where the bloggers' names are listed. It appears that the problem affects only my email addresses and Rolly's. My email addresses list me as Josie and c_, whilst Rolly's shows his full name.

I still have no idea why or how this happened. Let's hope Blogspot fixes this problem or that it is only occurring at my end. Will check again later.

Update 2:
I went to my Google account and reviewed my details. Weirdly, my "nickname" is shown as Josie. I have altered it back to my original posting id and Blogspot updated my posts.

Rolly, if this is happening on your screen and you do not want your full name shown please check your Google account just to make sure that your details have not been altered. Good luck.

Apologies to you, JJM.

Update 3, Saturday 14 May:

More Blogspot weirdos: Comments on recent posts have been deleted. Will they be restored?

What A Smile ,Pres. Mike !

2011-05-12T09:06:00.000+08:00

/

Gentlemen of JRI Batch 1963 who are living abroad, don't miss the chance to be as happy as our President... come before the fiesta on 2013 . Enjoy the fiesta and our Golden Reunion !

PARADA NG BAYAN

2011-05-11T17:17:00.006+08:00

Mothers' Day and the Pacman fight,

aside, here are some fiesta images. You guys should enjoy one of these come 2013! RSJ

Happiness Gene’ Discovered

2011-05-10T13:46:00.004+08:00

A new study has identified a gene that determines our natural happiness level.

The 5-HTT gene regulates the transport of serotonin (“the happiness drug”) in the brain, according to research published in the Journal of Human Genetics. People with the functional variant of the 5-HTT gene tend to lead happier lives.

As a person inherits the gene from both parents, there are three variations--long-long, long-short or short-short. The long-long version is the most efficient.

In the study, over 2,500 participants were asked the question "How satisfied are you with your life as a whole?" with five possible answers; very satisfied, satisfied, dissatisfied, very dissatisfied or neither.

Respondents' answers were compared to their version of the 5-HTT gene found in their DNA...Commenting on the results, which are published in the Journal of Human Genetics, study leader Jan-Emmanuel De Neve said: "It has long been suspected that this gene plays a role in mental health but this is the first study to show that it is instrumental in shaping our individual happiness levels."

He cautioned that the 5-HTT gene is not the only reason for happiness levels.

"The results of our study suggest a strong link between happiness and this functional variation in the 5-HTT gene. Of course, our well-being isn't determined by this one gene - other genes and especially experience throughout the course of life will continue to explain the majority of variation in individual happiness," Dr De Neve said.

"This finding helps to explain why we each have a unique baseline level of happiness and why some people tend to be naturally happier than others, and that's in no small part due to our individual genetic make-up.” (Full Story )

Mother's Day ..... May 8 , 2011

2011-05-07T09:59:00.005+08:00

Origin of Mother's Day goes back to the era of ancient Greek and Romans. But the roots of Mother's Day history can also be traced in UK where a Mothering Sunday was celebrated much before the festival saw the light of the day in US. However, the celebration of the festival as it is seen today is a recent phenomenon and not even a hundred years old. Thanks to the hard work of the pioneering women of their times, Julia Ward Howe and Anna Jarvis that the day came into existence. Today the festival of Mothers day is celebrated across 46 countries (though on different dates) and is a hugely popular affair. Millions of people across the globe take the day as an opportunity to honor their mothers, thank them for their efforts in giving them life, raising them and being their constant support and well wisher.

Ladies from Hawaii??

2011-05-05T13:18:00.005+08:00

Indeed , a Hawaiian costume can help one look and feel like you are in the islands.This is why the ladies in the picture feels the fresh, floral air that energizes and the warm, tranquil waters.The ladies are all retired teachers and this picture was taken in one of their activities . Look how lovely they are; Rosa Villegas Balmaceda , Luz Torres Saul,Ofelia Florendo,Mercedes Guzman and Belen Buenaventura Almazan .

2011-05-04T15:04:00.006+08:00

continuation of Eddie and Annie's visit

2011-05-04T14:15:00.005+08:00

A Day with Ofelia Florendo

2011-05-04T10:23:00.006+08:00

Last Sunday,we had an unplanned trip to Morong to see Ofelia upon learning that her mother passed away April 26. It maybe a sad circumstance,but we got to see Fely whose last attendance to the Batch series of reunion was in 2007. That's a happy thing of course.

untitled

2011-05-03T17:00:00.003+08:00

Na miss ko yung sa araro, hindi tuloy ako nakatikim ng bringhe ni Emma. Wala bang kasunod yan? Nasabit tuloy ako kay Anthony Taberna instead of.

Hindi ko malaman kung nangunguha ng picture itong fotog na ito o kumakain ng mais!

Birthday Fireworks For May born Batchmates

2011-05-03T11:28:00.004+08:00

Let's explode birthday fireworks for :

Leonardo Sto. Domingo May 13
Ofelia Florendo May 18
Crisostomo Canaria May 20
Ernesto Santos May 23

A Card of Thanks from the Javier Family

2011-05-03T11:13:00.003+08:00

Dear Batchmates

Our Itay Pedring was most precious to our family. Thank you for honoring his memory with your presence during the hour of our bereavement. We will be forever grateful for the loving memories you have shared with us and we’ll treasure them for a lifetime.

With love,

Josie and Family

Birthday Blow-out

2011-05-03T10:15:00.013+08:00

About 19 batchmates were at Emma's Kubo sa Araro last Saturday for the birthday blow-out of the January -April born. a bingo session was held ,Mike provided 2 prizes in the black-out phase of the game. Lucy Santos and Emma won . The prizes are bottles of perfume.
Everyone enjoyed the food and Binggo. We had a brief meeting for the activities for the 2013 Reunion. Some suggestions include; Joint Celebration with the Silver Anniversary of Batch 1983 for the 1st day, out of town picnic/excursion to Tagaytay on the 2nd day and dinner dance with Filipiniana theme.The tentative date May 18 - 20 2013

Condolence to Ofelia Florendo and Family

2011-04-30T22:27:00.004+08:00

Our deepest sympathies are with you and your family after hearing of the recent loss of your Mother . May your heart find comforts in the midst of your grief.Our heartfelt condolences .

More pix from our mini reunion

2011-04-30T14:03:00.004+08:00

Stars of the Night

2011-04-29T09:36:00.012+08:00

The pictures won't lie...the stars of the night were brilliant in their songs and dance exhibitions. Mabuhay ang Batch'63!

LUNCH AT RANCHO CUCAMONGA

2011-04-29T08:41:00.016+08:00

On a cloudy Monday morning, Annie and I stop by Nelia's place for a short visit. It was brief but sweet stop over coming from San Diego. Nelia treated us to a nice lunch at one of the local eateries, (Mimi's Cafe ) on her way to work. We managed to drop her off, and even gave us a quick tour inside the lab. If we were not in such a rush, I would have volunteered to have my cholesterol level checked. We made a deal to visit her again, next month. See you then, Nel! Thanks for a great lunch, and the nice time we've had.

Needed to burn off those calories from lunch? How about a quick stop at a local department store? Burn those calories, burn!

With Nelia's nephew, Michael.

Hurry up with our orders, please! We're hungry, can't you tell?

Love those colorful outfits, Ladies!

Bye, Nel! See you next month, you hear?

Dinner and Videoke Night April 26- Butch Bautista's Place

2011-04-28T08:06:00.015+08:00

The dinner hosted by the boys of the batch was transformed into a night of songs of our generation; medleys of Beatles,Tom Jones, Engelbert..and more. The videoke at Butch beautiful Kubo inspired non singers to join in the song marathon. While the food at the dining table : palatak, alimasag,talibubo,pork barbecue,dinuguan panct ,corn and pakwan filled our gastronomic needs. There are more pictures next post.

Tatay Pedring's Wake April 22

2011-04-27T08:32:00.013+08:00

Batchmates from Manila Licerio , Juanito Armando and Crisostomo were there since they home on Good Friday .