Although only 8 or 9 signed up on the “headcount email” passed around at the Yahoo e-group, 26 classmates from La Salle High School Class of 1976 (LSGH ’76) and De La Salle Grade School Class of 1972 (Taft DSLGS ’72) showed up for Christmas party/fund-raising event.
By the time I got to Joey Pepperoni at the Fairways Tower last Friday, it was past 7:30 pm. Don’t ask… long story; long walk. Our host Butch Prieto, Tonichi Caballero (a.k.a. Tonichiwa), Johnny Liao, Tito Yuchengco, Darryl Duarte, Joey Regala, Allan Isaac and Agu Estrada were already assaulting the San Mig Lights. Tonichi, our event photog, will upload the pics as soon as possible.
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Joselito Ongsiako surprised everyone when he walked in – having come a long way in his recovery this year. In short order, Darryl Duarte, Edwin Barcia, George Dolendo, and Peque Cui sauntered in.
Noel Silvestre and Fr. Dennis Meim arrived, and after a short breather, Fr. Dennis celebrated Mass – offered for the speedy recovery of ailing friends and in memory of loved ones who had passed away. He also reminded us all about the three important things about Christmas – which I promptly forgot. But seriously, he asked us to:
- Prepare our hearts for the Savior’s arrival;
- Thank Him for being there for us in good times and bad; and
- Thank Him for our friends.
OK. Maybe it was a lot more eloquently stated but I think that’s the gist of it. Anyway, thank you, Fr. Dennis for making sure that I hear Mass at least once a year!
After Mass, we proceeded to take Fr. Dennis’ third edict to heart and partied hard along with the new arrivals, Timmy Lee (No, not Pamela Anderson’s ex, Tommy.), Nori Uy, Chris Lacson, Mel David, Rolly Leveriza and Jigs Ortillan. The merrymaking reached fever pitch with the arrival of Anthony Fernandez, and Hans Smit, who loved La Salle so much that he joined the faculty.
Batchmates Earl Palma, Enrique Castillo, and ASec Bong Joves joined us somewhere around 11:00 pm – by which time, none of us were really capable of accurate timekeeping. Okay, for those who are keeping count there I’ve managed to mention 25 names already – thanks in part to my trusty copy of Scope ’76. Including myself, that makes 26 attendees.
In case the headcount was off, or there are any errors in the names mentioned above, please let me know by commenting below. Isn’t Web 2.0 great? OK I’ll stop. That was too geeky even for me.
Unfortunately, nobody brought a laptop so Skype-ing Boss Toti Singson and our classmates overseas was out of the question. Fortunately, we managed to raise PHP 8,420.00 which our erstwhile Director for Finance, Johnny Liao, will apportion between Signum Fidei and our friends and teachers in need. Needless to say, donors (i.e. skywalker, rocky, dc, etc) are still welcome. Johnny, are you ever going to set up that PayPal account?
We talked about the past, present, and future; of politics and other pet-peeves. The bottom-line? It was pure unadulterated fun. The good eats and spirits buoyed us until 2:45 am of Saturday when Tonichiwa, Johnny, ASec Bong, and I finally left but not before thanking the remaining staff at Joey Pepperoni profusely for putting up with us.
Upcoming Events
- Dec 21, 2009 – We are co-hosts for the Simbang Gabi at La Salle Greenhills Chapel.
- Dec 28, 2009 (tentative) – Welcome get-together for Joey Caguioa, Manny Monzon (who just missed last Friday’s bash), etc.