Afterthoughts from Val

It was fun to see everyone in the video.  I have recognized most of them except some... like Ronnie who is very healthy and Luis who is now called Bobby (jepoy man!).  I did not recognized Ruby right away but since she's always beside Helen, I reckon, that's Ruby.  ...And if I did not see them in the pictures before, I would have not recognized Ross, Ciego, Willy & Bong.  But after watching the video for 4 times, I began to see the old familiar faces in them.  Rolando still looks the same.  Everyone looks great and the party was just a blast.

Thanks so much to Paring Erick for all his time and effort and money that he unselfishly shared with the batch to make the occasion possible.  Nell has conducted the planning for the Family Day really well.  And Edna has been very committed since day 1.  And thank God....Ross was there.  We have been waiting for him to lead the group and his leadership is still great as ever.  I was touched by his remark on his teary feeling about the gathering. And the idea of giving THS something that will make them remember our batch is just wonderful.

While watching the video, things have been flashing in my mind.....those  fun experiences I had with each one.  Mon has been my classmate since grade 1 to 3rd year high.  And I can still see that same baby face in him.  Jaime, Nell, Jollo and Dante has been my very close friends at some point in high school.  Ciego was my best friend in 4th year high though. My buddies in Troop 85...Rey M., Edmon, Ronnie & of course Paring Erick.  Jessie, Rebecca, Ronnie, Rolando & Luis used to be my classmates at some point either in elementary or high school.

I was very happy to see the faces of people I consider as new friends...Pangan, Ombrete do sound familiar.  Janet, May, Elmer, Arnel, Dodie, Jovito, Al & Rey, you guys are the best.  I was priviledged in getting the updates from Erick so I can attach the faces to the names as I watch the video.  I am happy to see the PA2s.  It looks like you guys are still solid after all these years.  I am very happy to see Malou, Ellen and Leonor who were also present in the first meeting.  I wish Ching was there, too.  And of course, the honorary members...Emilie, Rosauro and Susan (alias Jovita!). The meeting has good representation from all across the batch 78.

Most of all, I am all smile when I saw my buddies in the Math Group....Hi to you, too, Cora! Great to see you all...Roy, Bong, Willy,  Tony, Ye, Ciegy, Dante, Nell, Mon, Jollo, Jaime and our math beauties... Cora, Beng & Gigi.  Miss you all.

Yes that was the feeling that I get after watching the video...that missive feeling made me want to go back home earlier.  I can't wait for the Grand Reunion. I will distribute copies of the tape to the other batchmates here in Canada & USA.  I'm sure they will be happy to see it and will make them save for the ticket back home.

To the Karaoke Kings & Queens...It was a torture...I mean a pleasure...to listen to you guys...he,he,he.  Jess, like mom like daughter.  You guys are PRO.  My cutest wife, Chona loved Susan's rendition of "Top of the World". Rey Med., mukhang lagi ka sa videoke ha?  Sama kayo ni Nell at Bobby. Perlie...pinangatawanan mo ang promised mong entertainment ha?  (sa CyberChat), you're great!  Dodie, bigay todo sa "On the Wings of Love" ha?  Great work man...you can quit your day job now!

The food was terrific!  Fiesta talaga ang birthday ni Father.  I wish I could be there in November for the Family Day!

More Power to the the Manila Group!!!