Punta
Fuego Reunion
Attended:
September arrived too soon. We had the first station of the
cross blessed in the Bamboo Grove of the MCHS last August 29, 2003; and before we knew it,
we were texting away our transportation arrangements for the Punta Fuego outing, and we
were also in a frenzy completing the video presentation for the program to be held in the
old auditorium in the evening of September 6.
Before we forget, we would like to give special mention and thanks to all chairladies and
members of the various committees without whose tireless effort and selfless
initiative, this wonderful event would not have transpired, most especially to our
gracious host(ess) Dido de Leon, who is also chairman of the Programme of Activities
---
To the overall chairman, Bonnie Balderrama, who served as our inspiration and endless
resource.
To the Supplies, Purchasing and Finance Committee Chair, Garnet David, who kept us afloat
and on our toes the whole time.
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| Overall Chairlady and Empress Dowager Bonnie | Welcoming Marimil and Mad at Terrazas de Punta Fuego; "I'll cover it!" | Finance Chairlady and Chinese Dowager welcoming Cynthia |
To our Food Committee Chairman, Ads Lagman, and her members Myrna and Dido who kept us more than sated. (Ads is the rightmost person in the foreground picture on the left and third from left on picture on the right).
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| From Starbucks Shell, we arrived at Terrazas de Punta Fuego on the dot, 10:30 a.m. September 5 | After the sight seeing, briefing and refreshments, we are off to Dido's villa, 11:30 a.m. September 5 |
To our Clean up committee Girl
and Evelyn, supervised by Marimil, without whose conscious effort to segregate garbage and
to forever remind us to pick up after ourselves, Dido would surely not invite us over
again.
To our one-woman medical team (and what a woman!), Charlie Baizas, without whose presence,
Garnet, Dido, Nieves, Girl, Paz and a few others who succumbed to various bugs, aches,
minor scratches would not be seeing better days!
To our Photography chair, Sheba, whom you shall hardly catch in these shots since she so
conscientiously went about her task of being the committee. Thanks to her initiative on
the t-shirts, we looked really fine and coordinated in our cool Crispa t-shirts. Logo is "Live, Love and Laugh. MCHS Class of 68!"
To the Prayer Committee for such inspiring prayers and thanks to the Lord. To the Night
Entertainment Committee, Zelie, Grace, Dolly and Yvonne, that was a really funny and
enjoyable game. My Team won! Thanks to Nieves and Charlie... Tied with Girl's team --- she
was MVP!
Last but not the least, to my Calling Brigade, Transpo and Registration committee members,
Missy, Marie, Zelie and Cynthia. So everyone thought I did it by myself? No way could I
have done it alone.
And this is the secret of the success of our reunion....no one was forced, everyone did
what she did on her own initiative with much love and laughter! Worked like magic. Just
like the Blessing fell into place as if planned, so too did our Punta Fuego reunion (well,
the committees did plan this one to the last detail) evolved as it did. Someone loves us
up there since He sent the best weather for both events.
Other kudos: From Grace J: "Ads, Charlie, Dowager, Dido, Garnet, Girl,
Mayor, Sheba- what a terrific weekend of fellowship. Applause! Applause!!! Thank
you. From QUEENY Homecoming." From Marimil: " Thanks a lot for
everything. I really enjoyed the reunion. We have to plan another one next year." From
Dido: "Yes, indeed, we forged bonds...neither time nor man can erase. I had some
scary moments , especially the kuryente. I'm glad it stayed on when it mattered.' (truly
the ultimate host!). Thanks for organizing the affair. It was very successful and we
pulled it off." From Bonnie: After Dido and Garnet, standing ovation should go
to the following: my classmate Grace - for being herself and bringing us so much laughter
and teaching us to laugh at ourselves...I want this classmate of mine to be the emcee at
my wake. My classnate Medy (blush) - your website made everyone sabik for our
events. Without your efforts, I pretty much doubt we would have had as much success in
getting everyone together. Your website has become our hangout of sorts and I truly now
look forward to our times together. My classmate Ellen Rivera for sharing her happiness so
that my jaded and callous soul dares to dream... (we) are all so inggit!!!! " From
Ellen: "Thanks for your patience digging me up. Just recovered my senses only
now.The reunion was an out of this world experience to put it mildly. In other words,
alien encounter!" From Dolly: "I really enjoyed the reunion. Thanks to
you and the others!" From Gigi: " I really had a lot of fun and I am so
glad I came for the reunion. It was so nice to see everyone and renew friendships. I leave
Sept 13 in the morning and will bring back so many memories. I hope we will all continue
to stay in touch--in spite of everyone's busy schedules. Thanks again for all your time
and effort in planning a successful 35th high school reunion. "
Advance party Bonnie, Dido, Garnet, Girl and Charlie welcomed the rest of us who arrived
in a nine-car convoy: Mad, Marimil, Dolly, Evelyn, Ads, Zelie, Cynthia, Marite,
Medy, Grace, Missy, Myrna, Yvonne, Marie, Olga, Sheba, Chi, Gigi Jose,
Corro, Pipit, Nieves, Doris, Cory, Annie, Ellen Rivera, Farah, Pamela,
Paz. Everything went like clockwork except for Grace changing plans to go direct to Shell
(arrived 7:30 on the dot! She gave Pamela a scare driving without her glasses) and Olga
getting lost going to Marie's. "Last one to arrive pays for the bill!"
We were famished from the 2 hour drive having had just coffee at Starbucks and Cinnabon.
We knew that a feast was awaiting us for lunchtime at Dido's place so we gingerly
nibbled at the finger sandwiches served by the Sales staff of Terrazas de Punta Fuego.
And we were not disappointed...for lunch we had Native Salad (inihaw na talong, kamatis,
onions with bagoong sauce), Chicken Pork Adobo in Liver Sauce, Binagoongang Chicken (by
Marimil's cook), Hot hot Laing (brought by Marie), Daing na Bangus Steak (c/o Bonnie),
Rice, Fruit and Jello Salad.
Before we knew it... Merienda time with Pancit Canton, Turon with Langka, (my favorite)
Hot Pandesal with Grilled Kesong Puti and Chinese Ham from Adelina's in Greenhills (Nieves
says this is even better than Majestic's) and Mamon/Ensaymada
We were supposed to have this merienda at Long Beach but it was much too warm to go to the
beach after lunch. Besides, everyone was engrossed in the lively conversations going on in
the various groupings. Crossing over was the order of the day, not wanting to miss the
chats. We converged in the aircon basement of Dido lazing and taking cat naps in her huge
sofas and day beds, taking turns watching the video presentation prepared for the
September 6 affair in the MC Auditorium that Peachy will present.
When the sun was no longer biting, we took walks, tours around the resort to view
facilities and famous mansions, to catch the sunset by the Long Beach, a stopover and
picture taking at the wharf that was threatening to float away with all of us, lazing at
the Main clubhouse and by the other infinity pool, a dip in the infinity pools. .We had a hilarious time at the
poolside. We sang with Dolly and Girl taking turns at the guitar in rounds of old
music we learned in high school and danced the dances we used to dance with abandon. We
ended with school songs of Maryknoll, Ateneo and La Salle, just to confuse the other
guests. Those of us who were sober were a mite embarrassed!
For late dinner, we had Mixed Green Salad with Walnuts, Ripe Mango Slices and Parmesan
with Raspberry Vinaigrette Dressing; Ihaw Ihaw: Spare Ribs/ Chicken/ Pusit/Tilapia Steamed
Prawns; Rice; Fruit and Jello Salad; Buttercake Slices ..
For evening entertainment, we continued our frolicking on the patio telling old stories we
never tire of telling, reminiscing about pranks played in school, favorite and hated
teachers, cracking jokes, laughing, having some wine, singing, dancing. We ended with a
hilarious game. The Iraq team headed by Nieves tied with Corrupt Pamays headed by Paz.
Girl was voted the most valuable player for her outstanding lying down performance. To win
the coveted M&M reunion candies from Carol, all the way from the U. S. A.
There was no more place for the Pamplina which was supposed to be midnight snack. So we
had this for brunch on Saturday morning together with Suman with chocolate and Special
Longganiza that Myrna brought for all of us; Deep Fried Bonuan Daing na Bangus, Hot
Pandesal with Grilled Ham and Cheese, which went so fast!
Ads reminded me too that in between meals were the snacks-- chichirias, heart attack
special chicharon, chocolates, fish crackers, sweet tamarind. And of course, wine and
brandy until late into the night. She says, "So we really got to exercise our mouths
there-- nonstop yakking and eating!"
Let's recall Grace's Grace before
meals:
Lord, we thank you for the gift of
life, of family, friendship, and fellowship to sustain us as we live our lives...The
provisions You bless us with daily...most important, the gift of your presence, Lord. And
please provide for those who do not have... Good food, good meat, GOOD LORD, let's eat!
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