Feb. 17, 2010 - "My wife, my son and I visited my daughter who lives in San Jose during this past Valentine weekend. One of the reasons for this trip was to meet a long lost good friend and batchmate, Sylvia Javier-Guanlao (thanks to Mel Singh). Sylvia is the spouse of my high school best friend, Nandy Guanlao, who passed away in 1997. I have encouraged her to submit her profile on our website so all our batchmates who wish to reconnect and reminisce good old memories can easily locate her. We had a good time exchanging memorable notes. She even brought with her an album of Nandy which she compiled from his childhood until their happy days here in the U.S. I have attached some photos of her with my family. Please welcome Sylvia to our USTHSBatch68 group. Her email address is guanlao_s@yahoo.com . Thanks to all." - MannyA
(Note:  Sylvia's profile is already posted in our Profiles page.)

Click here to view a photo slideshow of the pictures shared by Manny:  MannyA with Sylvia Javier-Guanlao

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Dec. 16, 2009 - SoCal group finally had its first Christmas Party on Saturday, December 12th.  It was just a small group of us, but nonetheless full of fun despite the rainy day. It was hosted by Manny & Rose (Labarda) Aquino at their home in Buena Park. Manny & Rose went all out, as they do when they entertain. Hired a chef to prepare our meal for lunch & dinner. It was a non-stop eating!

Josie Larida- Bacud showed us 3 or 4 different line dance steps, more than enough to get a good work out. We acknowledged our 3-bday celebrants: Jayvee Omana, Josie Bacud & Joy Roque. Joy invited Father Joey to celebrate mass. After the mass, a few left with Jayvee to watch him sing with his choral group at his church. For those of us that stayed behind, we continued eating, then dancing. Even Fr. Joey danced the swing. While some were dancing, 4-of us were in another room playing wii bowling. I’m proud to say that I beat them all by scoring 279!

At about 9:30 p.m., everyone was back and we picked up eating again & non-stop joke telling, headed by Jayvee, Cesar & Gus. Instead of doing the “white elephant” gift giving, we decided to follow Manila’s version of “Right-Left” gift exchange. Must say, that was really more fun! Those present were: Me, Cory Gillera, Josie Larida- Bacud, Linda Ocampo- Espejo, Gus Estrada, Jayvee Omana, Chito Pangilinan, Manny & Rose Aquino, Cesar & Lynne Balbontin, Tony & Nancy Bautista, Ernie Morales & Joy Roque. Lastly, but most importantly – From SoCal to All our batch mates all over the world: A very Merry Christmas and a Prosperous 2010!!! - Bing Macavinta

Click here to view a photo slideshow of the pictures shared by Bing: SoCal's First Christmas Party>>>

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Oct. 22, 2009  - Here are pictures of our little get-together for Lilli Santa Ines Gonzalez from Virginia and Baby de Guzman last September.  The girls, Lilli, Cherry, Helen, Fely, Cynthia and myself stayed at the Marriott in San Francisco for the Labor Day weekend. At the same time, Baby came to visit so Chito Cardenas invited us for dinner at his home. As usual, it was a night of laughter with Baby and a wonderful weekend in SF with Lilli. - Enrie Samson Sabio

Note: Please click pictures to view full image.

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Aug. 28, 2009 - Tisha Reyes-Nixon warmly and excitedly welcomed Joji (Pangilinan) and Romy Linan who were in Vancouver for a week.   Both Tisha and Joji were just beside themselves with joy to see each other (oooh, after 40 years?) and engage in a never-ending chatting that lasted from morning to evening. Tisha treated the visiting couple to lunch in a Thai restaurant in downtown Vancouver, then took them to the Space Museum where they viewed the exhibits and watched a couple of shows (Galileo kept them quiet for a while :).   Dinner was at a Filipino restaurant where they shared halo-halo (no calories daw, kung hating magkapatid). Tisha was the ever so gracious and fun hostess who went out of her way to spend her July 1st holiday (Canada Day, eh?) with Joji and Romy.

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July 12, 2009 - "Manhattan, my favorite city, was where I spent the 4th of July holiday. I made sure I met with the Northeast group to poke about the next USA Reunion. We met on Thursday @ 8:30p. Friday was the official holiday, so it was no worry about work the next day. Rey & Mel Protacio met me at my hotel in Times Square. We went to the restaurant across it called Junior’s Restaurant, in the theater district. (They have a delicious mousse/cheesecake yum. I have to go back there for sure). We had perfect seats, so we saw all the activities on the (45th) street & were technically part of the scene. Times Square is a bustling place, full of high energy. That’s just how I like ‘hem - upbeat & positive!

Mike & Grace Mendonez arrived shortly from a long drive from Long Island. Then, Andring Maranan came, who was pretty busy that same week entertaining his college chums who were in town for a college reunion. But he chose to stay with us instead. What a friend! Then, Joey Bote came straight from work. We started talking about the next reunion, which they’ll be hosting. We thought 2012 was too far. 2011 would be ideal, but they don’t want to compete with Manila. The next best thing is next year, 2010. However, summer is expensive in NY (actually pretty much all year round). They thought October, with a holiday in it, would be better. Air fares will be a bit cheaper and it’ll be cooler. So, the date was set - October 8, 9 & 10. More details will follow as it unfolds. I said I was not going to help. But the deeper camaraderie that has developed and grown from the May reunion is hard to turn away from. They have asked for my help and I am obliging . " - Bing Macavinta

Click here to view a photo slideshow of the pictures shared by Andring:  Photos>>>>>

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June 24, 2009 - " Bebet attended the Gawad Kalinga Summit in Boston, MA. Merle and her husband (Bong Encarnacion) are also actively involved in GK. After the summit, Bebet flew to NY  for a much needed break, where she met up with Cory & the Class '68 batchmates from NY and around the area. ( Rey Protacio and wife Mel, Mike Mendonez & Grace, Jerry Ongsiako, Annie Viri-Pascoquin and Andring) for a welcome dinner con birthday celebration (Rey, Bebet & Mike ).......Tuesday night we went to Serendipity ....for a " ginormous ice cream delight".....What a way to end Cory & Bebet's short but very sweet NY trip." - Andring Maranan

Click here to view a photo slideshow of the pictures shared by Andring: Photos>>>>>

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April 8, 2009 - Last Saturday we found another batchmate, Victor Celis from Manassas , VA who was passing by New York for a day on his way to Atlantic City ....Rey Protacio arranged hurriedly for a luncheon at " Krystal Cafe" in Jackson Hts. NY. Present were Joey Bote & myself since we live in the area.  We had our usual chit-chat over sumptuous Filipino dishes......and San Miguel Beer meron pa bang kasunod !!!  - Andring Maranan 

(Note:  We have included the photo sent by Andring in the photoslideshow of their March Reunion.)

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April 4, 2009 - Another annual USTHS'68 Northeastern reunion was held last March 28, 2009, Saturday.  This transpired in Andring Maranan's elegant neo-classic home in Queens, NY. This year is a big welcome for our batch mates, Edmond Lim and his wife Sally, Eddie Villarin and Jerry Ongsiako.
There were ten (10) of us who made it. Jolly Canlas who drove for three hours from Bethlehem, Pa. (wow!!!), from New Jersey - Edmond Lim and wife Sally, Rey Protacio and Imelda, Tim Mendonez and Jossie, Fred Andes and Sol and Ed Villarin whose wife is in the Philippines taking care of her mother. From New York, of course our great host for this year Andring Maranan, Mike Mendonez and wife Grace with her amiable sister Girlie, Joey Bote and Jerry Ongsiako.
For our dinner menu we had pancit palabok kaldereta, morcon, fried chicken with stuffing , tokwa’t baboy, kilawin, and ginataang langka and various desserts such as biko, cassava, mocha cake and cream puff . Joey provided the unlimited supply of cognac XO as in the previous year.
After dinner, our host Andring played soft music from his grand piano. This was followed by discussions of the agenda/activities for the coming Las Vegas Grand Reunion and spent reminiscing the good old high school days till a little after 12 midnight. It was another very memorable get together and hopefully many more to follow.
We missed the company of those who were not able to make it this year because of prior commitments but surely we'll see them in our next gathering.
We look forward to connecting with the other USTHS'68 Chapters this coming May reunion.  -  Rey Protacio,Tim Mendonez and Andring Maranan

Click here to view a photo slideshow of the pictures shared by Andring: Photos >>>>

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