1999 News Archives

Also present were Raffy B., Butch G., Jojo P., Sonny V., Jocel R., Euge dG., Sonny A. and George S. by order of appearance. Food was so abundant we had to take home some. Music varied from Juan dela Cruz's Himig Natin to the Stylistics.

Doc Euge even performed a minor surgery on Butch G. in Ceas kitchen. No wonder the chicharong bulaklak tasted much better afterwards. The topic for discussion was our upcoming Ball and Homecoming both in Manila and So. Cal. George S. had some ideas for the ball that we will be discussing further.

Euge and Jocel left early because of commitments the next day. The two Sonnys and George left around 2:30am, while the rest stayed until daylight after viewing the special video brought by Sonny V.

There was so much to be discussed "so much so" that another party will be held on Dec. 17. It will be hosted by Caes A. and this time it will be only "For The Boys" so that "serious" matters could be discussed.

Members of SBCHS75 held what could be an annual meeting in Las Vegas last Saturday, Nov. 6. The MAGNIFICENT SEVENTEEN consisted of So. Cal. (Mon Ortega, Jocel Razal, Raffy Bajamundi, Jojo Padua, Sonny Alejandre, Butch Corcino, Butch Guitarte, Joseph Yu, Al Alcantara, Sonny Vergel de Dios), Nor. Cal. (Egay Corpus), and Virtual Region (Egay Leviste, Wally Buhay, Ray Reyes, Norman Abrera) members as hosted by the DYNAMIC DUO (Butch Halog and Danny Leong of the Virtual Region).

The group started to trickle in at the Pub in Monte Carlo between 4 and 5 pm. People stared as we hugged and took pictures in the hallway with some of us wearing our SBCHS75 golf shirts. Gracious to take our pictures were Mrs. Shiela Bajamundi and Charito, Wally's heart-throb. After Mon O.'s arrival and distribution of his financial report, we were on our way. The SBCHS75 shirts were peddled like contraband in the parking lot from Joseph's brand new Camry ($50 to our fund again, Thank you, Al.)

Butch H. rented a 12 passenger van that fit 17 of us. Many thanks, Butch for your hospitality. There wasn't a dull moment in the van. Al told us the latest Erap jokes and his experiences as a salesman (again). First on the agenda was dinner at Main Street in downtown. Again, our many thanks to Butch H. for picking up the tab. At this time, Butch G. presented his and Joseph's financial report on the just concluded Bowling Tournament. It was truly a marvelous feat for mainly the efforts of Butch Taga G. After dinner, we all proceeded to the Main Street Mall at 8pm for the spectacular light show. Butch H.'s well planned 'secret' agenda was a mix of a tour of Las Vegas and enough time for reminiscing.

People were cheering us as we posed for our group picture in the Main Street. Jocel was taping videos, together with the two Egays. At least half of us had cameras that we alternated for the group pics. Then, on to The Venetian Hotel and Casino on the Strip, but before that we had to wait for Al to finish betting at a Casino. (He was supposedly going to the toilet.) By this time, people were exploding bombs in the van after the sumptuous dinner and gas from laughing. No one claimed responsibility, but it came from the front area.

The trip to The Venetian, which borrowed it's logo from SBCHS75's lion, was a free time for the gamblers, Butch G., Al A., Jojo P., Joseph, Butch C., etc., who all blamed each other afterwards for being the 'bad luck' or the reason why the other lost. The rest gathered for a drink c/o Danny Leong (Thank You) at the bar. After much delay, looking and waiting for Al in the Black Jack section, we all gathered in the main hallway of the registration area. People watched with glee as we setup our cameras again for another group picture session. Even the attendants at the hotel obliged as we asked them to take our pictures.

Then, on to more booze. Al's campaign for the group to proceed to Little Darlings or Club Paradise fizzled. Only Jojo P. supported him. Anyway, on the way to the Gordon Bierch Pub, Jojo P. gave us a detailed lecture on 'good sex' education. It was too much for Ray's virgin ears, but I'm sure he would try some of it back in Texas. The setting was good at the Pub as we occupied one corner for ourselves. Trina, the waitress, had a fun time too until Jojo fumbled. Bilib na sana kami. Malakas din yung beer!

The time was spent reminiscing what we and our teachers did in High School, as well as, Grade School. What the ladies wore, Odulio's nail clipper, the First year night out, the NCAA riots, Chiquito and Dugan, etc., were a few examples of our topics of discussion. Of course, we also talked about those who were not present.

Special mention goes to Egay Leviste who made it to the Reunion, eventhough we 'found' him only 2 weeks before. Norman kept asking, "When is the next one, where will we hold the next one ?" from beginning to end. Sonny A. finally understood what Anti-Gas means in the Maalox bottle. Raffy enjoyed his cigarettes and booze, which he says he could only do in Las Vegas. (The more reason we have to do it there again.) Mon O. started the toasts. Wally almost succeeded in making us cry again ala Adjutores by his dramatic motions, until Egay C. asked him where the 'wedding' will be. Nakalimutan na tuloy yung dasal. He also won the Buddha Award for having the biggest waistline (40 big ones). Butch C. kept asking who will go to the Ceasar's Palace Brunch the next day. They probably served Frankfurters and Sauerkraut there.

After the drinks, the UNDERstanding ones had to be brought back to Monte Carlo, to be with their wives and family. I better not mention who they are. Those left behind played a little, but when it was time to go have breakfast, we waited again for Al to finish playing. Then, the 12 APOSTLES that were left went to Gold Coast for breakfast. No amount of beer and sleepiness could take our eyes away from the women at the other table. Humihirit pa si Jojo sa Keno attendant, while Al's food got cold because he went to play cards. Thanks again to Danny Leong for picking up the breakfast tab. Finally, it was time to say Good-bye, but only after waiting for Al to finish playing Black Jack again. At 5 a.m., we finally hit the bed.

Although not discussed en masse, the following were questions and ideas that came up (Manila take note):

1. Next event ? For So.Cal. - another yard sale, casino night or X'mas party ?

2. Others in the USA should respond to our Pledge Drive. (NOTE: Noticeable in Mon O.'s report is a $150 contribution by So. Cal's Fred Young. Thank You, Fred, for exhibiting your true Bedan spirit eventhough we have not seen you nor have made a pledge. We hope to see you on Saturday for Bebet's visit.)

3. Centennial Pin - if it is to be done, now is the time. 2YK is a few weeks away and Feb. is fast approaching.

4. What is the Schedule of Activities before and after Feb. 19, 2000 ? (NOTE: Butch G. mentioned that Fr. Ed might be in the US for a heart surgery at that time, so we can cancel the Bukidnon trip. Let us all pray for his health.)

5. When and where will the next USA Reunion be ? The only thing good if we don't do it in Vegas is that Al won't be disappearing a lot. Kung nasaan ang pagkain, we know he will be there. If it is in Vegas, we need to bring handcuffs for him. But if Butch H. promises not to pay for the van and dinner, I vote for Las Vegas again !

6. Last but not least, Wally was asking whose turn it is to view Jojo's VHS tapes. Whoever gets it should donate to our fund of course, dahil sa Yard Sale binili ni Bunny yon. So, it's an ongoing sale.

Thanks again to Mr. James "Butch" Halog, including taking off from work, and Mr. Danny Leong for everything. It was truly a memorable trip aside from a trip down memory lane. Those who did not come definitely missed a once-in-a-lifetime chance. OK, we will give you another chance next year, but remember every year those with HIV may look much different. (Hair Is Vanishing)

Three dozen red and white balloons, streamers, and sponsor/donor banners added to the festive atmosphere. A huge red banner with white letters that said" Red and White Bowling Challenge" was even placed prominently at the alley for everyone to see! After a short welcome speech and well wishes to the participants, the event went underway.

Most of the bowlers took advantage of the bumper guards that were available although a few brave souls opted to bowl "acappella"( aka, gutter mania ). The no-tap format provided the kids and adults alike with encouragement, as 9 pins downed counted just like a strike! To make the game interesting, raffles and prizes were handed out to the bowlers all throughout the event. Lanes were randomly drawn and the next bowler up was asked to pick a slip of paper with a number on it. All they had to do was to equal or better the number drawn with their first ball thrown to win a prize. An unforgettable moment came when a bowler drew a 1. All he needed to do was topple any pin from all 10. And guess what? Nothing but air! His face was as red as the balloon.

Most coveted by the kids/teens were the Sega Gameworks cards worth $10 each in credits. Gift certificates for lunch/dinner, Movie passes from AMC, and dozens of other prizes were more appealing to the adults. We gave out more than $700 worth of prizes, through the generosity of our donors and sponsors! It was even possible to walk away with more than the sign-up fee.

Bragging rights to this year's Red and White Bowling event is as follows:

Tots/Peewee division, Matthew Medina, 3rd place Andy Alcantara, 2nd place and the 1999 champ, ALYSSA ALCANTARA, Arcadia, CA !!!!

Teen division, Johann Alejandre, 3rd place a tie for 2nd and 1st,CHRISTINE ESPIRIDIAN, Chatsworth, CA & KRISTINE TOTING, Encino, CA !!!! * The girls were intent to settle this so a bowl off in a couple of weeks will decide the eventual Champion.

Adult division, Louie Guitarte, 3rd place Godfrey Cortes, 2nd place and the 1999 Red and White Bowling Champion is: JESS CORTES, Chino Hills, CA !!!!

Coveted "BUKO" awards went to: Maxine Mae Medina, teens* Michael Gattuso, adults*

During the awarding ceremonies, more gift certificates for complimentary dinners were raffled off to those who had signed-up for the bowling. We made it possible for the no-shows to win something despite their absence( someone did, as a matter of fact)! After the customary handshakes and photo-ops for the winners, everyone assembled for the group picture-taking. This signaled the end of the event, and not surprisingly, people were asking when and where the next bowling event will be held.

We all had a great fun-filled afternoon, and even raised a few dollars for a good cause. Our beneficiaries, namely; SBC scholarship fund, the MotT, and the Taiwan earthquake victim fund drive are the real winners.

Go to SBCHS75 PhotoClub to see our Bowling Tournament pictures.

Sixty-eight (68) participants, including 12 Batch '75 members, battled for top honors in 4 categories. Carrying the cudgels for the '75 par-busters were Rico Bautista (Class B Champion), Ira Maniquis (Class C Champion) and Class A golfers Andy Hirang, Alex Depante, Flex Cabasa, Benjie Gadi and Alex Quizon, who all figured prominently in the tournament standings.

Other '75 participants were Rey Umali, Bob Yap, Ipe Sanvictores, Jojo Ocampo and Jessie Gonzales, who hit some surprise shots. On hand to support the '75 players were Batch President Gabby Consulta, Advisory Council Chairman Joel BaᲥs and Abet Mariano.

Among the guest players were Chito Loyzaga, Ramsey Sanvictores, Pichoy de Leon, Archie Valenzuela, a big group of San Beda Lawyers and Dr. Antonio Tiosejo of Batch '51.

The top 3 finishers of the 3 men's classes and ladies category, were awarded beautiful glass trophies. Valuable items, such as a TV set, an audio component, numerous San Beda High School '75 golf bags and Nestl頧ift packs were raffled off after the event.

During the awarding ceremonies Fr. Lucas Centeno gave the invocation, Batch Vice President Rey Umali delivered the welcome remarks and Foundation Board Member Ipe Sanvictores gave the closing words. Rico Bautista and Ira Maniquis hosted the program.

Credit must be given to Golf Committee Chairman Andy Hirang and committee members Flex Cabasa and Alex Depante. Andy estimates that the SBCHS'75 Foundation, Inc. will earn over P600,000 from the event.

It was announced that the next major SBCHS'75 event will be the Pre-Homecoming Reunion on Sunday, November 14, 1999 at San Beda College, Mendiola, Manila starting at 9:00 A.M.

Attended by: Butch Guitarte, Joseph Yu, Sonny Alejandre, Jocel Razal, Bunny Gayon, Al Alcantara, Butch Corcino, Arnel Gener

Everybody welcomed first time attendee Arnel Gener. He promised that it won't be the last.

As detailed by Butch G. in his letter to Olet, the SoCal bowling fund raiser is now in full swing. Our target is to fill the bowling center's maximum capacity of 160 players. Its going to be tough but if we all participate it can easily be achieved. It was suggested that Sonny Vids solicit the participation of our SBCAASC brothers and their families too. The rest of us, let's try to bring at least 4 to 5 players each, which will be very easy, just bring the whole family.

We call on our silent classmates to come out and participate. Para lang tayong nagpunta sa Disneyland one Sunday afternoon. The only difference is there is no waiting in line and more fun for everyone, the kids especially.

The official date of the tournament is Sunday, October 24, 1999 from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. in Montclair, CA. For those of us who could come early, please do so to help in the set up.

Butch G. has emphasized the importance of signing participants up as early as possible, preferably by October 10. This will provide us with an accurate number of participants and the amount of preparation we need to undertake. Also, it will give us information on the shoe sizes that we need reserve. Please submit your sign ups ASAP and make checks payable to Joseph Yu.

Peewee (10 yrs old and under) $10; Youth (11 to 15) $15; Adults $15. Call either Butch G. (909)391-5070 or Seph Yu (818)993-8921 to confirm signups.

We need sponsors too. Sponsorships range from $150 - $500. If you know of any leads, please contact Butch G. and he will gladly do the legwork for you. Calling on Johann Yuzon, can we get the local Goldilocks to sponsor the event?

Jocel R. showed us the T-shirt with collar and red trimmings that our new lion logo will be embroidered on. Hopefully it will be ready and available for sale during the tournament.

Thanks to Al Alcantara for donating $25 to our fund that day. He sold a car while we were having the meeting. Thanks also to Jocel R for the banner design with the help of Butch G's better half. Thanks to Al and Bunny for providing the snacks and refreshments. Butch C., saan ba talaga yung 7 flags Magic Mountain? Ngayon lang namin narinig yun ha.

As always, after the important topics were discussed, we spent another hour or two to reminisce the good old days.

Truly, it doesn't get any better than this.

Attendees: Joseph Yu, Butch Guitarte, Doc Euge de G., Jocel R., Jojo P., Sonny V., Mon O., Sonny A. Seen below are Jocel, Jojo, Doc Euge and Butch G. trying out some items for sale.

1. BOWLING Tournament to be held tentatively on Oct. 24 at Montclair, CA. This is being Chaired by Butch Guitarte. A list is being made up to form committees. Butch will coordinate with the facility on things we could do and will be discussed in the next meeting.

DONORS are needed. Doc Euge "Bend" de Guia has pledged his donation for the trophies. We are holding a raffle and would like to ask those from other areas, who are not actively involved in our fund raising activities, to send us anything you can so we could buy prizes OR add your gift to the raffle. Please send checks to Mon Ortega's P.O. BOX, per Olet's letter, and put JOSEPH YU's (our Treasurer) name on the check. Mark it for "raffle prizes".

2. Jocel will check on pricing for T-shirts and Golf shirts with regards to the different styles of shirts discussed.

3. SBCAASC has not called yet regarding FROLICS 99 for Oct. 9. We will proceed with plans for bowling, including printing T-shirts to sell, but we will fully support the original plan for FROLICS 99 once they call.

4. CONSENSUS on SOLICITATION: Everyone should understand that $150 is not the minimum they can give. If there is financial hardship, even $20 will be a welcome gesture of your willingness to participate. This should make everyone feel that they are a part of SBCHS75, and make them feel better as a PARTICIPANT in the SBCHS75 cause.

5. Most goods in our 2nd yardsale were saved for a possible 3rd Event. A truckload was sent to SalvationArmy. Mon O. to directly donate his promised $50 check to our account for missing the 1st Yard Sale. You the Man !!!

Special thanks to Sonny A., kahit na flat ang gulong at nahuli, may dalang LUNCH ! Doc, for the drinks. Also, to Joseph, for once again making his house our temporary "Hangout". Yung iba, NASAAN ???

EVERYONE IN USA: We need your support too in our planned BOWLING TOURNAMENT, if you are not planning anything yourselves.

Competition format is 18-hole stroke play, using system 36 handicapping. There will be 3 divisions namely: Class A, B & C with Champion and Runner-up winners in each division. Each winner will receive a glass trophy and gift package. For the major raffle, we'll be giving away, 24" Color TV, VHS Player & Mini-Component stereo. In the minor raffle, we'll give 10 boxes( 12balls/box) of golf balls, 10 golf bags with SBC HS' 75 design and several gift packages. Also, a HOLE-IN ONE CASH Prize of Php 100,000 (USD 2,500) will be at stake in one of the Par 3 holes. Initially, these are the prizes we have lined up and may still be improved depending on the turnout of our sponsorship solicitations.

Our Tournament Fee is P1,500, which includes greenfee, food & tournament t-shirt. Caddy fee will be for the player's account.

We are now soliciting sponsors for the tournament. For those of you who have connections with companies that can be tapped as sponsors, pls. let us know.

Attached for your reference is our sponsorship benefit package.

Yun lang at Mabuhay kayong lahat. tks and rgds...Andy

Click on the sponsorship benefit schedule to see what awaits our sponsors.

A little fund raiser was added as we placed bets on a horse race. The day ended with a mah jong session. Don't worry, the money we earned was already counted before the game.

The movie "Out-of-Towners" starred Steve Martin and Goldie Hawn and was sponsored by major companies in the Philippines. See news of July 7 for more information. CONGRATULATIONS, Manila !!!

Pert Miraflor (HS68, C71), President of SBCAASC, offered SBCHS75 a share of profits in the FROLICS '99 Dance Event to be held on October 9 in Buena Park, CA. However, this REQUIRES OUR FULL PARTICIPATION !!!!! He will call for a meeting for the Frolics preparation. Please BE THERE !!! Time and date, TBA.

Those who were not in the picnic lost another chance to feel 10 years younger. You should have seen Jojo Padua playing basketball. For the most part porma na lang, ayaw na pumasok ! Parlor games were held for the kids. While the parents had a husband and wife guessing game, where Sonny V. had to feel the legs of some wives while blindfolded. Buti na lang, tama ang hula ! After that was a speed eating contest, which Sonny A's and Sonny V's team won.

Pert distributed copies of The Alumnus newsletter of Manila which featured SBCHS75 in the front page. It featured Boy Masakayan's original plan of giving out Centennial pins in exchange for P100 each. The funds collected will, of course, be our gift to SBC's 100th birthday.

The Southern California Contingent is very lucky to have Bedan brothers who are dedicated to keeping the Bedan spirit alive. This group is the envy of all other Philippine alumni associations across the USA. If you were hesitant before to attend because you did not know anyone, NOW IS THE TIME TO GET IN ON THE ACTION !!! We all know each other so you won't feel alone. But the best part is that our Bedan brothers are welcoming us like Red Cubs coming home after being lost for 25 years. You all have to be there in the next event. We are ONE SAN BEDA !!!

In the meantime, have you gone through your old stuff for our AUCTION SALE on August 28 ??? See you then.

We got sponsorships from 4 companies: Johnson and Johnson, Nestle, Smart Telecom, and PLDT. Also we have tapped a popular yuppie FM station in Manila,NBC 92.3, to advertise and plug the premiere for us.

The other major source of income is ticket sales: We are selling for P250 each. Capacity of the moviehouse is 1200 seats. The participation of the batch will really be measured by ticket dissemination. We had very good reception from our group during the last 30 June meeting at Bong Desales place, where they were able to send out 900 tickets. Our rule is that each identified (meaning has been traced and contacted ) member of the batch will receive a 10 tickets each. It will be up to him to sell it or buy it (once received, they are considered sold). Very heartwarming is that some batchmates even volunteered to take more.

USA can help out by giving us some names of your relatives and friends here who you could commit to buy from us. The movie premier committee head is Ira Maniquis (Allied Bank, Ayala Ave. Makati) who you could use as a contact person to get tickets. Or you could E-mail us the address/phone of your potential ticket buyers and we can contact them.

We are targetting to get the tickets sold and paid by end July.

Please disseminate this E-mail to everyone so that we can get maximum participation. Look forward to all your help. Warm regards.

The First Lady will conduct a medical mission in Malaybalay, Bukidnon for a maximum of 2000 people. People have started coming into the Monastery in preparation for the big feast for SBCHS75's Spiritual Adviser.

Click for picture of attendees by Jocel R.

More pictures at the Alumni Hangout !

See Dodo Gonzales in, as usual, a comedy role, in DisOriented Movie. A movie about recent immigrants from the "Orient".

the fire that butch (bubut) g. has been sharing w/ us has been raging now! who wouldn't feel this way after watching a magnificent performance from the philippine boy's choir last night! i know sonny alejandre and mon ortega with their gorgeous family's feel the same way. the boys were awsome! even better than the vienna boy's choir, because the pbc's are benedictine trained. i'm not boasting about these kids but men, they're for real! see for yourselves!

at least now there is a personal touch in the fund drive that we are pursuing. after the video presentation part of the show, i kinda felt what it was to be in paliparan or in malayabalay. but definitely nothing compared to the real feeling of being there, like wally b. a lot of visions had been coming my way for these kids & their families. a lot of plans. but all the visions will just blurr out without your assistance.

the challenge is here for us to move as ONE! not just for these kids but for all our undertakings in the future. this is just the start. i know we can make our share with whatever the manila (hs '75) boys ask us to come up with if we bind together now. nine months is not gonna stay the same, feb. 19 is slowly creeping up our way. let's feel it in our hearts to share whatever we could to all batch '75 undertakings that will come our way. even a mere "no" or "yes" will suffice, we just want to hear from you. take care, enjoy the ride and hope to see you soon!

Mon Ortega has volunteered to be the delivery point as his house is in Glendale, which is close to where the boys will be staying on the last leg of their trip. We are also scheduled to meet with Fr. Abbot Ed through Mon's hospitality. E-mail Mon or Sonny if you are interested in shipping goods before the boys depart in May.

Bebet Gaudinez, who attended the farewell concert in Manila, attests that indeed this Concert is one that we should not miss.

"Attendance: Olet A., Johann Y., Edgar C., Joji P., Arnel C., Jun U., Gilbert C., Wally B. Special guests were Sisters Rosaline and Virginia from the Sisters of Social Services and Greg and Annie Improgo.

Dinner started at 8:30 p.m. At this time, Sister Rosaline played a videotape of a performance of the Philippine Boys Choir. Sister Virginia made a short presentation on the charity work of the order. Thank you to the people who brought food: Jun U. for his relyenong manok, Joji P. for his fried chicken, Edgar C. for the pork buns, Gilbert C. for his sisig, Johann for the cheesecake and bday cake for Jun U., a couple of bottles of wine from Annie and the binagoongan, pakbet, lumpia and pansit from Olet's kitchen. (No one had food poisoning, so Jun, okay pa tayo. Did I forget anyone?)

Annie and her husband, Greg, graced us with their presence. We reminisced about old times and some of us made confessions of improper behaviour during our high school days to her. I guess the statute of limitations has already passed for those transgressions so no punishment was meted out.

It was already 10:00 p.m., or around that time, when we got down to business. See actual minutes below for March 13 meeting.

Meeting adjourned at midnight but the boys stayed on until 2:00 a.m. for more kuwentuhan and chibugan.

Johann has volunteered his house for the next meeting wherein no date was set. Annie also mentioned she wanted to host a dinner with the boys sometime sooner or later. Any suggestions on the date of the next meeting?

This is only the beginning, mga kabotribs. Let us fan the embers that have started to glow and create a fire that lights our way in the night and makes us warm and fuzzy inside."

Al brought beer and drinks. Due to his influence, we even got a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon on the house. Jojo Padua supplied us with sushi for appetizers. Thanks to Mon's digital camera, we are immediately able to publish the meeting photos. Meanwhile, Nonon will scan family pictures submitted by attendees. Jojo, will you please just give us copies of your pictures for the next meeting ? Sonny A. stressed the importance of attending the homecoming as he started the meeting while having dinner. Click on the meeting of March. 12 below for the minutes.

We closed the restaurant after the manager took our pictures. We then proceeded to another of Al's hangouts, where he and his friend from work bought us drinks amidst sounds from a Chinese songstress and an Elvis kareoke impersonator.

Next meeting is tentatively in April at Longo Toyota's conference room c/o Al.

We now believe the truth to the statement that, "the real fun is in the get togethers before the homecoming night..." We now need input from Manila to make our next meeting more fruitful (hint)... See our meeting notes for the minutes and pictures (more 'paquintabens').