On May 29, 2010 at 2 o'clock in the afternoon, Ateneo Batch 85 started to gather at the Villa Caceres Hotel. In attendance were 48 of our batch mates mostly from Bicol including Germs and Perez who came all the way from Manila to attend this special occasion. Welcome smiles from Caloy dela Torre, Jessiton Galicia and Boy Nunez greeted the boys as soon as they entered the La Bella Hall doors for registration. At 3:00pm a short speech was given by batch President Gil Francis Tria to welcome and thank everyone for coming and showing their support to the group.



Batch mates who were nominated through texts ands email had their names written on a board for everyone to see. Pieces of paper were handed out to write down the names of whom they voted for. Boy Nunez, assisted by Martin Mejia headed the count and came up with the final result. Manila Board Members were Ding De Vera, Regan De Guzman, Mike Jornales and James Castro. The Bicol Board Members were Gil Tria, Sancho Tolentino, Charles Florece, Don Santy and Ivan Zenarosa. And the US Board Members voted for were Jonas Villegas and Ambet Panelo.



Dinner was served after the election followed by the fellowship.

Some 800 kids from four poor barangays of Naga gathered inside the chapel of Tabuk, braving the heat and the crowd. They were eager to receive a small bag of goodies from Batch 85. The ExCom, with Sancho Tolentino and Gil Tria at the helm, spearheaded this gift-giving activity, as part of our thrust to "give back" not just to the Ateneo, but to the bigger Naga community. By early afternoon, the chapel was packed. While waiting for us, the parish priest kept the crowd entertained by asking kids to go up front and show off their talents in singing. And the kids gamely obliged.




The very active guys of Naga showed us how to be 'men for others.' Sweating it out, handling out the bags of goodies were Jason Bagasbas, Dan Bombita, Arnold Deang, Chuck Florece, Junar Ledesma, Tito Simando, and Ivan Zenarosa. "It's a good feeling," says Chuck on his Facebook account. Agoy Santiago joined in with his wife and daughter, who had a taste of what Batch 85 is about. Pipoy Pinangang, who was for his annual vacation from his work in Japan, gladly squatted on the floor to hand out toasted siopao to each kid. Fr. James Castro and Emil Avenido were also present.



After the hearty "thank yous" from the kids, the parents, and the parish staff, it was time to say goodbye. It was indeed, by a mile, better than any Christmas party.

Dodie Abiog, Ramil Driz and Ronald San Jose, the three Batch 85ers in the United Arab Emirates, finally met and got together on the Eid Holidays on September 21st (isn't that date notorious?). The meeting place was the exotic mountain of Jebel Hafeet, more than a thousand meters above sea level.




Kurumustahan asin pagsalingoy started from 3 in the afternoon and was concluded at 11 in the evening at a bar in the Hilton. Halawig na iristoryan. Buhay poon kaidto sagkod ngonian. Poon sa Naga hasta sa UAE. Pero an sopas iyo si apat na taon sa Ateneo. Lampas sa 200 na pangaran asin lalawgon an dapat giromdumon. Herak nin Dios, kadakli guiromdom pa man maski ngani 25 años na an uminagi. Napungaw para duman sa mga huminale na dai na nunca mabalik. Alagad naging excited na makakumusta itong mga alive and kickin' sa 2010.

Gusto pa kutang an banggi palawigon asin bote dagdagan ta an siring na okasyon minsan sana mangyari sa samuya alagad sa lugar na samuyang kinapadparan, dai uso an 'till you drop asin gabos na lakawan palitada kaya mayong rason magsayasay.



Suma total, maogma si hirilingan. Liwat na hirilingan hahasihon. Mientras tanto, Ramil learned from Ronald that night how to spice up his love(less?) life. Ronald will make a big announcement soon. And as for me, I already have three boys. A daughter is still on the drawing board.

Batch 85 emerged as the ‘Most Disciplined Team’ of Purulupugan 09, a yearlong inter-batch basketball tournament organized by the Ateneo Alumni Association. The number of wins and losses garnered by our team? That does not matter. What is important is that Batch 85 was recognized for its virtue.

For the second straight year, the batch managed to make its presence felt in the traslacion. A good number volunteered to be a voyador that escorted Ina of Penafracia when she transferred to the cathedral for the fiesta.



Sancho Tolentino and Dan Bombita represented the batch in a joint medical mission organized by the Alumni Association last Aug in Calabanga. Batch 84 and 86 also sent personnel to the mission. Francis Badiong and Rogel Cruzata were the paramedics.




The batch has also been promoting ‘Pa-Raffle Para sa Iskolar,’ an initiative of the Alumni Association. Proceeds from the fund drive will benefit Galing Atenista (GA) and the Adopt a Scholar-Athlete Program (ASAP). If you have not bought a ticket that can make you win a laptop, a play station or a cellphone, get tickets from Sancho Tolentino before the Oct 30 raffle date.

To be more responsive to the needs the members, we have introduced an innovation to the way we are structured as a batch. The Bikol-based trustees now comprise an Executive Committee (Excom) in-charge of operations leading to the 2010 hoopla. As expected, the Excom led by Sancho Tolentino, Gil Tria, Chuck Florece, Don Santy, Ivan Zenarosa and Tito Simando is delivering.

Watch out for more ‘bonding’ activities that will intensify as we approach D-Day.

“I’m a blood donor and I save lives.”

Members of Batch 85 can now proudly make that claim after taking part in a citywide bloodletting last Sunday organized on the occasion of World Blood Donors Day. Naga’s civil society congregated in the city gymnasium to donate blood. Batch 85 was the largest contingent from the Ateneo.




“Many people consider it a right to receive blood when needed, but don't often consider the responsibility of giving blood to maintain the community supply for others,” a Red Cross official remarked. Last Sunday’s program aimed to collect 1,500 bags of safe blood and make it readily available for all who need it.

“Blood shortages in some parts of the country would be eliminated if more healthy people would give blood,” Councilor David Sergio, Batch 84 explained the tagline written on the wristband given to the donors. “We encourage healthy people to donate blood regularly.”



The doctors of Batch 85 led the Ateneo Alumni contingent. Found eligible to donate blood after a rigorous screening were Francis Badiong, Dan Bombita, Louie Chanco, Bong Chica, Ariel Collao, Arnold Deang, Larry Ocampo, Jam Sabido, Maeng Serrano, Caloy Tible, Sancho Tolentino, Rolando Vasquez and Ivan Zenarosa. Also spotted hovering in the area were Dolandz Olivan and Gil Tria. TSgt Chanco came with Army Reservist donors.

Established by the World Health Assembly, June 14 marks the birthday of Karl Landsteiner, the Nobel laureate who discovered the ABO blood group system. Last Sunday’s event was organized jointly by the Red Cross, Bicol Medical Center and the city government. [from the report of Jam Sabido]

We’ve been warned not to refer to it as a “recollection”; it’s the best way to turn away and turn off people. We settled for the secularly neutral “group dynamics,” found a topic that we provocatively entitled Sex Everyday, invited a speaker with a vast pastoral experience, and braced ourselves for a modest number of attendees. We said we would be happy if nine show up, the nine officers of Batch 85 based in Pinas.

Last Saturday, some 27 guys came to listen to Fr Julio Penacoba’s exposition on human sexuality. Fr Julio’s opener: a wrong understanding of sex has brought pain and destroyed the lives of many. He was speaking from more than three decades of ministering to university students, young professionals and married couples. He then went on to synthesize the weekly audiences of John Paul II spanning four years and which eventually became known as Theology of the Body. The two hour-class was a down-to-earth application of a fundamental truth: man is wired to love the way God loves and only if he acts that way can he live meaningfully. “Man for others” acquired a new zing.





Jam Sabido asked Fr Julio to clarify what falling in love means and how it matures to committed love in marriage. Jess Imperial set the stage for a discussion on the beta female and made us all understand that women are also to blame for the mess. Jojo Rubio’s bold question opened the discussion on how different people are called to live and love differently. Ferjenni Brioso led us to understand the difference between love and lust. It was past noon when we wrapped up and only because the chow was getting cold. Besides, we still had to go through our annual meeting and elections.



The gathering of Batch 85 every last Saturday of May is now a five-year old ritual. Every year, the attendance grows, expectations rise, and the interest intensifies. As we conclude another meeting, one wonders if all this preparation is worth it. If we emerge from it a notch better than the last meeting, it should be.

In behalf of Batch 85, Oay Villegas writes this tribute to Romeo P. Nepomuceno. Jr., “a caring and loyal brother.”

Pading Gil (Tria) calls him Palos. Very elusive. In Bikol, paralitik, paradulag, parapalusot to the nth degree. Don't get me wrong, Neps also shows up when you least expect it. When I went home last February, I had a few drinks with him at Martin's (Mejia) place. That was the last I saw of him.

The Regal boys always gave him a free pass every time he does one of his disappearing acts. He would excuse himself by saying he needs to relieve himself or take a call from the missus or buy a pack of cigarettes from the nearby store and would never come back. One time, he pulled a fast one by saying, “May bote pa ako sa kotse, kukuanon ko lang.” Another time, while listening to a hilarious anecdote of one of our escapades in high school, he started walking towards the exit while laughing out loud.

We learned of Nepo’s stroke one day; the next day he was gone. No bells and whistles. Who would ever think that a week after turning 41, this registered nurse turned star Coca Cola salesman will do his final disappearing act? But then again, isn’t this vintage Nepo?

Say hi to Ted and Mulo for us, padi. Iyan na naman, dai ka magpahiling ki San Pedro.

We bring you one sizzling highlight of the Ateneo homecoming that we missed in our last report. Here's Fr. Wilmer Tria's homily during the Alumni Mass. It's a good reminder of what should drive us to make our own Urulian 2010 successfully meaningful.

“I bless you Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for hiding these things from the learned and the clever and revealing them to little children.”

First of all, I want you all to know how honored I am to have been invited to celebrate this Mass for the Ateneo Alumni. I belong to Batch ’79 of Naga Parochial School, but graduated in High School at the seminary in 1983. That makes me presumably an adopted fellow of the sponsoring Batch ’83 of Ateneo. And although I am neither a Jesuit nor an Atenean, I have been working here at Ateneo for the past six years.

Men for others. These are the words embroidered on the shirts given to me by fellow Batch ’83. This is actually the Ateneo ideal. Jesus is the “being for others.” And he is the one we want to imitate.

Ateneo has made many achievements. PAASCU Level III, Autonomous Status, new buildings, new programs, and so on. All of these are proofs of the Ateneo ideals toward academic excellence and intellectual pursuit.

The Gospel passage I have quoted seems to have an anti-intellectual tone. It seems like it is discouraging scientific research and academic excellence. This, however, is not the case. Scientific research and academic excellence are a great help, and they are needed. However, the ultimate goal is not intellectual insight. It must go beyond – to the realm of the Spirit! It must go beyond intellectual delight – to the realm of moral uprightness.

I studied at Angelicum in Rome from 1993 to 1995. When I arrived in the Eternal City, I received a warm welcome from fellow Filipino priests who were also studying there. However, they were also particularly curious about where I would be studying. When I told them that I would be studying at the Angelicum, they projected a naughty smile. Later, I found out that they looked down on those students who study at the Angelicum because the university was one of the smallest and antiquated universities in Rome. It only had a thousand-student population and 140 faculty members who take care of six faculties.

Students of Gregorian University for instance would often tease us: ‘come on, don’t waste your stay in Rome.’ They actually have a point. The facilities of their university are a lot better than ours. They have a huge library. And they can afford to hire renowned professors from other countries.
We didn’t have those privileges. Our buildings are old. Our classrooms had no heater to keep us warm during winter. Our only privilege was the personal relationship between professors and students. Nevertheless, we feel proud of the university not necessarily because of the building, not because of the facilities, but because of the very personal relationship between professors and students. And there was something more. Pope John Paul II studied in that university!

What insight do I want to share from that story? It is not the school that gives name to the student. It is the student that gives name to the school.

Oftentimes, we bank on the idea that we are graduates of the illustrious universities such as Ateneo de Manila University or University of the Philippines! We boast about buildings, about monuments, about facilities. We take pride over certificates and medals bearing the name of our schools. There is nothing wrong with this. We need these types of credential to get employment, to become lawyers, doctors or nurses, or even to become mayors, governors, or even presidents.

However, if in spite of our knowledge and intellectual insight, in spite of our medals and certificates, we do nothing about our life, we do nothing to fashion our character and moral integrity; if we do nothing to rectify the ills in our society, then that idea is just a stupid conceit. That is the foolishness of the learned and the clever that the Lord is speaking about in the gospel.

What we do with our life after our education at school is what counts more. Moral integrity is the corner stone in building a good name for the school. Like the Holy Father, it is the student that gives credit to the school, not the school the gives credit to the student.

Behind the uniforms you are wearing right now is the persistent voice that invites you to be men and women of character, to be men and women for others.

Each one of you is like a masterpiece tapestry. Your curriculum vitae will tell everyone what a masterpiece indeed you are. Like tapestry, you are a world of art, of immerging beauty and intricacies of design. But examine closely what’s behind that tapestry. You will find all the threads, the knots and tangles. Behind that tapestry, you will find the sweat and blood of the countless people who have helped in weaving you.

During this occasion, do not miss to take a look at what’s behind that masterpiece. Be grateful to the hands the helped to weave you. More so, never forget the divine hand the created and fashioned you.

What made the Ateneo homecoming sizzle?

1 The parade of beauties during the opening of the sportsfest was hot. But the jubilarians outdid everyone by bringing their muses – yes, they had more than one -- to the fellowship dinner and making them part of a festive entrance. The sight provided color and excitement to what could have been a drab affair.

2 The jubilarians came in record-breaking force. A hundred (out of 180) showed up on Homecoming Day. They were spotted all over Naga in their trademark outfits. The day after the festivities, several drove to the airport directly from the Ateneo to catch the morning flights to Manila.

3 The inter-batch basketball tournament raised money for the high school sports program. It attracted an eager bunch of Atenistas who were in a state of denial about their age. For providing entertainment, wellness, and above all, meaningful involvement in a homecoming, this initiative was indeed hot.

4 Batch 83 dedicated their batch night to the faculty. The sit-down dinner held at the Avenue Square had as its guests of honor the teachers who mattered in their life. One of the mentors who attended was overheard to have said that this is the first time such an honor was accorded to them.

Batch 85 was amply represented; over forty came. Spotted during the festivities were Francis Badiong who came with his puppy-eyed girls; Jules Buena, divine defender of the Batch 85 muse; Louie Chanco, he who knows everybody’s whereabouts; Bambi Bongon & Germs German who excel in basketball as much as they do in karaoke; Reagan de Guzman, pep squad leader along with Rey Caresosa, Junar Ledesma, Noel Millares, & Elay Posugac; Guy dela Cruz who looks forward to another outreach in his barangay; Noel Doblon came escort-less this time; Chuck Florece who is in town visiting his ailing father; Jess Imperial & Boboy Torallo, proponents of next year’s interbatch tennis tournament; Norman Madrid, Larry Ocampo & Danny Villarico who kept their word to be Urulian regulars ; Martin Mejia who is eager to go and work overseas; Jeff Nocos, highest pointer in the tournament; Dolandz Olivan, Sancho Tolentino & Ivan Zenarosa, water and siopao providers of the batch basketball team; Paul Padillo who is back from a long vacation in the US; Nelson Paz took time off from a thriving bike supplies business to break bread with friends; Carlos Reyes aka Richard; Jam Sabido, emcee of the 2010 fellowship night; Manny Sales who as coach executed Plan B flawlessly with the help of Jason Bagasbas, Bong Chica, Arnold Deang, Alex Lagarde, Jun Mallari, Dindo Nocete, & Nono Santiago; Roy Sambo, who just ended a four-month retirement; Don Santy & Tito Simando, perpetual hosts of batch gatherings; Gil Tria, aggressive proponent of a golf tournament.

We rounded up four of our batchmates on Christmas Eve. We told them that the batch prepared something, that we would like to hand them in a simple ceremony, that it will be over and done with quickly, that it will be done unobtrusively in some corner of Villa Caceres along Magsaysay.




Arnold, Francis, Herminigildo and Maeng were visibly moved. And so were the handful who were there.

With this gesture, we renew our commitment to Urulian’s pagkaburunyog, pagdamay, and paghingoa. Maogmang pasko, padi. Onward to 2010! [Photos by Elay Posugac]

Nine said they will show up for a Christmas get-together in Kabisera at the Bonifacio High Street. In the end, ten came; two of them were making their debut appearance.

It’s been over a year since Norman Mardid got in the loop but we have yet to see him in the flesh. He sent word that the Saturday lunch coincides with an event in their office, a dental supplies multinational company. As fate would have it, Norman and his fellow dentists decided to have lunch in the same place where we were holding the batch gathering. Not only was he in the same restaurant, he was right across our table. But two decades of separation have blurred everyone’s memory of Norman. Even Jung del Barrrio who sat in the same LG as Norman’s wasn’t sure. Jung erased all suspicion by calling his friend on his mobile. It was way past one when Norman abandoned his colleagues to join us. He’s fully on board now. See him live in the homecoming on the 30th.



Since we started our regular batch outings, Joseph Moralde would say he’ll show up but for one reason or another couldn’t keep his word. Can you blame us if we never take seriously any text confirmation from him? That was our attitude when he said that his schedule at work, a call center operating in Alabang, would allow him to join the Christmas lunch. When he sent word way past noon that he was leaving Las Pinas to catch up with us, the skeptics and optimists waged a bet if this was all drawing or not. The photos here will tell you that those who lost the bet were only too happy to be proven wrong. Joseph’s absence we can blame on the nature of the BPO industry. And his appearance three years after he got in touch? Must be the spirit of the season.




The Manila regulars who graced the lunch: Nick Acosta who extricated himself from the missus who was shopping in Market!Market!; Emil Avenido who played Santa to the kids of Mike and Gogo; Gogo Canivel who recently joined another IT company where the grass is supposedly greener; Jung del Barrio whom we couldn’t tell apart from JM, his unico hijo; Reagan de Guzman who disclosed his plans for one Camsur congressional district in 2010; Mike Jornales who showed us a photo of Cracken Atienza taken in De La Salle Zobel where their kids go; and Renren Guinto who braved the three-hour traffic from Cavite to join the group.

What did the six-hour lunch accomplish? The regulars will tell you that the sight of new faces reinvigorates the Urulian cause. We must definitely have more of these gatherings.

How is life treating our batchmates in California?



Rene Cuyugan used to be the party animal from Milpitas but, by his own admission, has slowed down. “I now come home at 2 am, two hours earlier than my self-imposed curfew.” If you want to see the unguarded Rene Cuyugan, show him Ateneo and Parochial photos. The contrast between his can’t-hurt-a-fly years of innocence and his outrageously gorgeous years as a business analyst is stark. The bubbly-ness is all external; he carries on his shoulders family responsibilities that he takes very seriously.

Emman Gonzales works as a phlebotomist in a San Francisco hospital. In a vast and highly specialized health industry, tasks in a long chain of services are cut up and assigned to specific professionals. “Sa Pinas, medtech an may guibo kan trabajo ko,” Emman explains. While you can easily mistake him for a Bronx native, wait till he speaks to you in sparkling Bikolano. The Nagueno gene is unmistakable. He hopes to eventually work as a nurse, the better to provide for Merika, his unica hija.



Ambet Panelo is the closest to a scientist that we have in the batch. His inventions are put together in a global IT laboratory that automates, among others, business processes. That’s as far as the similarity to a geek goes. If you ask Juliet, the wife, she’ll tell you he’s the quintessential laidback dude, unperturbed by anything. But not when something or someone does harm to his kids, Matthew and Gabrielle. Fatherhood is one of the few things that can put fire in his belly.

Reggie Panga is postal employee, nursing aide, devoted family man, and hilarious clown. His years as a salesman taught him people skills that he has put to good use. Living proof of that is the trophy of a wife that he has brought home from Tuguegarao. “Maswerte si Ningning ta siya an pinili ko,” Reggie says matter-of-factly. So if you have not seen Reggie since high school and you happen to be in his part of the world, get him to show you around. His quips are a more effective jetlag buster than the sights of San Francisco.



Special thanks to Bolivs Bolival, biologist of Batch 86. He was gracious enough to show us around the Stanford campus where he is working as a research assistant. Now, that’s the real scientist who makes the country proud.

Trudging the streets of Naga in black leather shoes, crisp linen shirt and gabardine pants while fingering rosary beads was an annual ritual during our Ateneo years. The traslacion was the day when mumbling Hail Marys as we snake our way through Penafrancia Avenue and Elias Angeles was cool. We were there for the colegialas thrilled by the sight of saintly Atenistas. We were there for the conscientious beadle tasked to check the attendance. We were there because every student of every Catholic school was expected to be there. Too fragile to jostle with the voyadores and too young to find meaning in it, we took part in the procession from a distance.

Recently, some members floated the idea of joining this year’s traslacion. It was one of those spontaneous ideas that easily took a life of its own. Text invites were sent with the hope that a sizeable number would respond and appear on the day itself. Soon, someone volunteered to have shirts made, another would provide the head bands, and a third said he could host an early lunch.



Twenty-five showed up last Friday. A few have done it before, the rest were doing it for the first time. Rey Revistual who was visiting from Singapore was one of the first timers. Jojo Rubio whom we have been tracking the past two years made his debut appearance. Dan Bombita drove from Sorsogon with his family. Bambi Bongon while preoccupied with his duties as a PNP officer was in a pious mode. Hobbled by a recent operation, Ben Calisura, from his hospital bed, excitedly texted everyone when the local cable channel panned the camera on the Batch 85 voyadores.



There’s something about Penafrancia that makes 40-year olds risk life and limb just to touch the hem of her cloak or carry her andas, however fleetingly. This was not the traslacion of fainthearted high schoolers. We weren’t participating from a safe distance. We were right there where the action was. Like any voyador, we fought our way and kept at it until we got the reward. Life’s battles have scarred all of us but we forge ahead consoled by the Penafrancia we come home to every year. Clearly, this traslacion was no longer a juvenile pursuit.

It was late when I landed in Vegas, ten thirty pm. While waiting for my luggage to come out of the carousel, I eyeballed three familiar faces in the crowd: my old friend, Oay Villegas, from New Jersey; my buddy in New York, Paul Aquino; and someone I have not seen since high school, Dan Sureta, who flew in from Michigan. With luggage in tow, we hopped into a rented car and drove to the site of this year’s Urulian gathering.



Chuck Florece greeted us by the driveway of 3771 Wild Lily Court. He was our host for the weekend. Inside, the party was winding down. I spotted Mario Soriano (New Jersey), Jun Tuason (California), Paul Padillo (Manila) and another batchmate I have not seen for years, Chilles Amados (Virginia). I also spotted two boxes of Coors Lite and a 1.5 liter bottle of whiskey. Pulutan – what was left of it -- came from the neighborhood Chinese restaurant: flat noodles, stir fried vegetables with beef strips, and Peking duck. What else did I miss? Yes, the inihaw na baboy and other batchmates who have already gone back to their hotel with their families. That’s the fate of latecomers.

It was catch up time with the small group that stayed behind. As empty beer bottles piled up, eyelids started to droop until only three of us remained. Dan, Tuaky and I went to bed at 4 am, exhausted but excited over the next day’s adventure.



We woke up to the smell of bacon the next morning. Paul Aquino got up ahead of everyone to prepare breakfast. Soon, with a few more donning the chef’s apron, we had a mean omelet, freshly-brewed coffee and the must-have sinanglag. We continued from where we left off last night for we have barely dipped into the well of stories accumulated over two decades. Soon, everyone was absorbed surfacing memories and taking snapshots when Chuck arrived with fresh supplies. That was the signal to get ourselves organized for the next item in the program: lunch.

Paul lit up the grill, Mario shucked the oysters, the other Paul marinated the ribs. Meanwhile, the other guys set the table with chicken pastel, crispy pata, chopsuey, and fried lumpia. Just for this weekend and for the sake of rekindling friendships, calories, cholesterol, sugar and uric acid were stricken off the dictionary.

Amidst the commotion, four more B85ers trickled in with their families: Edmund Noleal, Ambet Panelo, Reggie Panga -- all from California, and Chano Morano from Connecticut .

With a complete cast, the reunion went into high gear. That meant a videoke showdown led by Jun Tuason. That meant a business meeting where the fund campaign received fresh impetus. That meant consensus to hold next year’s reunion in the East Coast. Never mind the pool; it was too cold to even take a dip. We had to settle for a group photo op with it as backdrop.




After attending to the serious business of Urulian, we treated ourselves to the waterworks of the Bellagio where we got acquainted with a group of girls having fun (and looking for fun). After all, what is Vegas without the sights and sounds of the strip where everything and anything can happen? It came to a point where we were just too tired to walk some more. We soon said our goodbyes to those who were not billeted with us at the chateau only to repeat our goodbyes the next day. What happened to each one when we parted ways? I don’t know. And even if I do, I won’t tell. Remember, what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. Right, Dan? [by Andre Badiola]

How much did we raise during the members meeting? Php 119,301 is quite a sum, the biggest we have managed in one sitting. That brings the Urulian kitty to a hundred thousand short of half a million, the target we wanted to breach last May 31. Not to despair, we’ll double what we have by year’s end, right? Breakdown below:

From Manila, Erwin Bermillo, Gogo Canivel, Ding de Vera, Renren Guinto, and three anonymous donors raised Php 50k. From overseas, Chilles Amados, Ed Noleal, Jun Tuason and an anonymous donor contributed the equivalent of Php 34,160 (@ USD1: Php42). From Bikol, Aveng Avengoza, Jason Bagasbas, Rogel Cruzata, Dolandz Olivan, Don Santy, Sancho Tolentino, Gil Tria, Ivan Zenarosa and an anonymous donor produced Php 28k. The coinbanks of James Castro, Rogel Cruzata, Ruel de Loyola, Alex Lagarde, Dolandz Olivan, Arnell Parde, Elay Posugac, Jam Sabido and Roy Sambo yielded Php 7,141. We got Php 2500 from the collection to pay the Madrigal Center and to compensate the technician who assisted us.

Our thanks to everyone who dipped into their wallets to advance the Urulian cause. We’re gathering momentum and invite all the others to jump into the fray. All collections go directly to the batch accounts and will be touched only in 2010. The Board raises money separately to fund its operations. Full steam ahead to 2.5@25!

Call it getting married without a hitch. To secure a license, you need $55, a valid identification card and a social security number. That's not so bad, right? Whatever chapel you choose, they got you covered. Need a ring or two? They have that on hand. Flowers, gown and tuxedo? In various colors, shapes and sizes. And those who do not want to leave the comfort of their car can have a drive-thru ritual. That’s how weddings in Vegas are staged. But Nuj Lazaro did not go for any of that. He opted to take the traditional route. He wanted it to be a special day for him and Shelly.

The intimate ceremony took place in the chapel of the MGM Grand Hotel on May 25. Nuj was clad in a barong and Shelly walked down the aisle in a stunning ivory gown. Jun Tuason and a girl from Chicago (Nuj’s friend) serenaded the couple with Ikaw [If it were a concert, the singers would have scored a standing ovation from the audience. Maorag ka talaga, Tuaky!]. Thirty minutes later, the formula that sealed the partnership was said: “By the power vested in me by the State of Nevada, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Please welcome Mr & Mrs. Lazaro. You may now kiss the bride.”

Nuj missed all the happenings at the Bahay ni Kuya where Batch 85 were holed up for the weekend. They were eager and prepared to throw a send-off party but slotting it in Nuj’s schedule wasn’t so easy.

I am so happy for my good friend for finding someone to grow old with. I wish both of you blissful years of togetherness. Congratulations! [by Oay Villegas]

Martin Mejia’s on a roll. After hurdling the nursing board retake (Yes, he’s part of that batch victimized by an unscrupulous review center), he finally can seek employment abroad after acing the NCLEX. He’s bulking up on experience at the Mother Seton Hospital. “Igwa na akong kaulay [for overseas placement]. Baad December, makalarga naman,” Martin said. According to our unimpeachable moles, Martin was not only the most diligent student at the Naga College Foundation, he was the youngest looking, too. Idol talaga.

Nuj Lazaro is tying the knot in Vegas this week, a day or two before the batch gathering. A select few were invited to this low key wedding; Oay Villegas one of them. We’re relying on Oay to give us a blow by blow account of the ceremony. Congratulations, Nuj! Meanwhile, Buboy Torallo confirmed that he has been living in marital bliss since 2006. “Sorry, padi,” he wrote, “sa kasiributan, dae ko na naisip ipaaram sa batch.” So ladies, this good catch of a lawyer is no longer available.

If you’re thinking of trying out the facilities at Camsur Watersports Complex (CWC), Jim Lanuza is the person to ask. This dentist is the latest wakeboarding sensation at CWC and recommends the sport highly to the brave of heart. “It’s my secret to staying young at 40,” he explains. Seek his advice on anything that has to do with the sport that has made Camarines the place to see and be seen.

Renren Guinto googled ‘Ateneo Batch 85,’ stumbled upon this website, and in two days was reconnected with batch mates he last saw 23 years ago. The net surfing he did that day he decided to work from his home in Molino, Cavite. “I cannot surf from the office,” explains this mechanical engineer of P&G, “but I can when I work at home.”

Getting updated on the whereabouts of batch mates took Renren some time. “I spent three hours reading everything in the site,” he relates. “I was looking for any contact number I could call. The only one posted was Ding de Vera’s.” So Renren calls Ding, relays his contact details for the batch database, and finally gets in the Urulian loop. “I’m glad that my name’s no longer highlighted as missing in action.”

Tidbits we gathered when we met up with Renren recently: he took his undergrad in Mapua, pioneered the Tondo plant of P&G, did the rounds of P&G’s manufacturing plants before his recent posting in their regional office in Makati, he’s married with two kids, and takes care of a labrador and a St. Bernard. Doesn’t this look like the profile of a major Urulian 2010 sponsor?

While we welcome Renren to the Urulian fold, we bid goodbye to Junn Razal who flies to Toronto today. It took five years of patient waiting before Junn’s application to immigrate was approved.

We noticed the excitement and anxiety on Junn’s face when he came for the despedida last Thursday. We learned about the frenzy he has been through the past weeks: disposing assets, settling issues with his employer, saying goodbye to family and friends, looking for temporary shelter in Canada. But he and wife Dy are taking everything in stride and have high hopes that good fortune awaits them in Canada.

“Pag-makakua ako tulos nin trabaho, ma-atendir ako kan reunion sa Las Vegas,” Junn says excitedly. If Las Vegas in May ain’t feasible, surely 2010 is. By then, Junn would have amassed enough wealth to be another Urulian major sponsor.

Summer is a time we associate with a rite of passage. For a circumcising culture like ours, many think that the procedure is necessary to earn one’s rightful place in the adult world.

On Apr 6, Batch 85 made sure that the s-label (not the brown bag) can never be used to mark the boys of Barangay del Pilar in San Fernando. Led by Ivan Zenarosa and Sancho Tolentino, nine doctors and 11 nurses took part in Operation Tuli that made men out of 86 boys of del Pilar.

“Success! Very well organized medical mission,” says Councilor Noel Doblon who hosted the event sponsored by Batch 85 in cooperation with the barangay council, the Naga College Foundation, and the Bikol chapters of the Philippine College of Surgeons and the Philippine Society of General Surgeons. Thanks to the Dirty Dozen from Batch 85 who gave up their Sunday to lend support.

If you chance upon hobbling boys in skirts, you know whom to blame (or thank?).

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Jung del Barrio and family fled from the summer heat by spending a weekend in Riseros Drive Resort in Puerto Galera. Jung blogs that Riseros is a cool place. “Staying there is like being in a faraway land; foreigners everywhere.”

To be invited to Riseros and enjoy discounted rates, one has to be Bambi Acosta’s longtime friend. Jung easily meets this requirement. “It was Bambi who taught me how to get home wet and muddied because his bike was too big for me to maneuver,” Jung recalls. “It was Bambi who lent me a pair of pants when we were not allowed to enter NPS without the gala uniform.” Bambi’s wife manages Riseros.

If you’re into diving and thrive in a multi-racial environment, give Bambi a ring. He says that members of Batch 85 are not only friends, they’re family.

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Esmie Acabado welcomed the summer beaming with pride. Yna, his youngest, played the title role in a school production of an operetta “Goldilock’s Adventure.” Last year’s Snow White was also Esmie’s girl. This San Miguel executive has at least two reasons to thank “the Great Talent Lender” up there.

All roads lead to Las Vegas this year when US-based members of Batch 85 come together on May 24 for a reunion leading up to their Jubilee in 2010. Chuck Florece, host of this year’s gathering, has the following enticements:

• Spend $5 in slot machines and drink all you want (“Alcohol’s free inside the casinos.”).
• Buffets from $5.99 to $30 (“Although you can always raid my fridge.”).
• Locals get 50% off on shows (“So I’ll buy the ticket for you.”).
• Two can register but 4 can stay in one hotel room (“Hotels here are not strict.”).
• With $200, you’re pretty much covered, including two-day hotel stay.
• If you’re bringing along the kids, you can distract them with M&M factory, Excalibur Hotel, Shark Reef, Fremont Experience, roller coasters, arcades and even day care.

Check out a teaser that Chuck produced at http://yvonnebriones.com/urulian. Confirm with him (702 596 0234) or Oay Villegas (609 647 8148) by Mar 7 if you’re coming. Those in Pinas and elsewhere who have scheduled trips to the US, see if you can time it with the May gathering.

If a dozen showed up in last year’s Sanfo gathering, the organizers expect to exceed that figure this May. To date, Ambet, Chuck, Nuj, Oay, Reggie and Tuaky have confirmed. Meeting the target now depends on Bagsak Alarcon, Achillles Amados, Paul Aquino, Andre Badiola, Bong Belaos, Albert Belaro, Begie Brioso, Berne Clavo, Rene Cuyugan, Jojo dela Cruz, Sig dela Rosa, Noli Dihiansan, Emman Gonzales, Maxi Gonzales, Obet Mendoza, Tox Monte, Chano Morano, Ed Noleal, Rene Rejante, Eugene Saavedra, Mario Soriano and Neil Villasenor. Will they rise to the occasion?

Jam Sabido forwarded the figures below to document Gurugoan sa Ateneo 2007, the 61st alumni homecoming hosted by Batch 82 last Dec 30:

500k was raised by the events committee (excluding corporate sponsorships)
800k is the rumored amount the batch spent to mount the event
80 is the average batch attendance in an Ateneo homecoming
25 batchmates showed up to represent the batch (This includes Bobby Vibar & Nelson Paz who caught up with the group in Bistro Roberto)
5 major prizes were raffled off with a home theater as first prize
3 bottles of beer were allocated for every alumnus

We congratulate Charlie Villaseñor and his group for a blast of a homecoming. Can Batch 85 clock in better scores in 2010? Abangan.

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Chano Morano’s holiday zoomed by Naga, Boracay and Manila in an instant. Given that even his weekends are spent nursing patients back to health, every single day of his vacation mattered. Yes, what American nurses will never give up Chano is willing to absorb for the greenback that will feed, clothe, house, and school his baby Kristen. Ah, the travails of fatherhood!

On Jan 4 while in Naga, Chano hosted an impromptu dinner for Batch 85 at the Moraville Gardens. The feast and the Fundador got the group worked up over the band, booze and buntings in 2010. Engaged in the brainstorming were Jason Bagasbas, Louie Chanco, Junar Ledesma, Jun Mallari, Bong Marquez, Dolandz Olivan, Nelson Paz (who brought the lechon), Arnel Pimentel, Jam Sabido, Toots San Pascual, Don Santy (who took charge of the spirits), Tito Simando (who had new shirts made), Sancho Tolentino, Rudy Velasco, Bobby Vibar and Ivan Zenarosa.

So charmed was Chano that he agreed to host the dinner of the members’ meeting this May. “Kaipuhan ining mga regular na pagtiripon kan batch,” Chano intimated before flying home to Connecticut. “It’s important to make people at ease by the time we celebrate in 2010.” Isn’t that charming?

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Before flying home to Sanfo, Ambet Panelo treated his kids to a Pasacao experience, something the young ones never get to do back home. Wife Juliet agreed to let Ambet come home in 2010 on the condition that Ambet allows her to take a European cruise.

Rey Revistual phoned in from Singapore to say he’ll be around mid Jan for a brief visit. “If we don’t get to meet,” he explained, “I’ll be back in April for a longer visit.” Here’s one homecoming that will have to wait.

It’s been 23 years since I last saw Jojo dela Cruz. When we were in high school, I would consult him about Math problems (mind you, even during exams). Some months ago, I chanced upon Jojo via Yahoo! Messenger. From time to time, we would exchange jokes about our Ateneo days. In fact, almost every time we get to chat, we would challenge each other to use the most uncommon Bikol word or expression.

The online reunion recently became real when we agreed to meet at the Shangri-la on New Year’s Day. Jojo’s vacationing from the US with his pediatrician wife and their 19 month-old son. After 23 long years, Jojo has put on enough poundage to become a Migs Zubiri look-alike.

First item on the agenda was a sumptuous meal at the 24th floor. Being used to simple home-cooked fare, I was asking him what the dishes on the table were. At one point he asked if I prefer sinanglag instead.

Then down we went to the room he reserved six months earlier. With the Ayala intersection where they held the countdown to 2008 as backdrop, I met Jojo’s wife and their firstborn who, the day before, was nursing a 41-degree fever. With health professionals as parents, this was no cause for panic.

We headed to Hard Rock where we finished a bottle of Merlot. Good for the heart, my friend explained. To flee from the eardrum-shattering rnb band at Hard Rock, we were off to Strumms but it was closed for business. I guess the staff had to recover from the revelry the day before. Next best alternative was Music 21 where we took turns singing to our heart’s content. We capped the reunion with the must-have in any videoke repertoire, My Way.

Went home with a box of Godiva and $50 for my little one, Jojo’s inaanak. I am convinced my 2008 is off to a good start.

This story is based on Jung del Barrio’s blog on Jan 8. Visit his site at http://gnujledoirrab.blogspot.com/.

Christmas rings out "joy to the world," but how do I make this joy my own? How do I personally enter into this "great joy" of Christmas? This is an important question, for even though God has declared joy to the whole world, there are still many among us who do not know how to claim this joy and make it their own.

A certain missionary was working in Zamboanga del Sur where they had no easy access to drinking water. People walked for miles to the nearest river to get water. With his encouragement, the people undertook a self-help project to sink a borehole. Soon the village had fresh, clean drinking water on demand.

In the house of an old woman, however, there was no drinking water. "But the village now has water," the missionary said. "Yes," the woman replied, "but the trouble is with my grandson who lives with me. I tell him to go and get water from the borehole and he wouldn't listen. All he does is run about and play."

There you are! You see, it is possible for someone to die of thirst in a village that has abundant drinking water. Why? Because there is no way the water out there in the borehole can become your own until you go there and draw the water that already belongs to you. The water in the borehole is yours by right. You are entitled to it. But you need to do something to claim this right before it can become your own, before it can actually quench your thirst.

So is the good news of great joy that God showers on the world at Christmas. We still need to do something, make a little effort, before we can personally experience this joy in our lives, in our families, and in our world.

How do we do that? Well, that is rather easy to explain but pretty hard to practice, so I'll explain. Look at the word JOY. You see that it is made up of three letters: first J, then O, and lastly Y. J stands for Jesus, O for Others, and Y for You. Joy therefore is: Jesus, Others, before You. To know joy in our lives we need to place Jesus first in everything. Secondly, we need to try to please others before we try to please ourselves. That is the recipe for joy. That is how we can convert the Christmas "joy to the world" into a personal "joy in my life" now and always.

Let us today resolve to always place Jesus and others before self and then the joy of Christmas will always be ours. The JOY and PEACE of Christ that we long for can only be received if we learn to SHARE without question or condition. Give until it hurts!

May the Birth of our Savior bring PEACE, JOY and LOVE to you and your family. MERRY CHRISTMAS and A BLESSED NEW YEAR! (by Fr. James Castro, CMF).

What happens when 38 year-old Atenistas come together? One expects them to remember the good ol’days, brag about their macho conquests, and soon after San Miguel does his job, scheme to paint the town red. But because they’re Atenistas, one also expects to hear edifying stories from the group. In this regard, the Dec17 reunion at Giligans in Makati did not disappoint. Some quotables below:

From Emil Avenido whom we asked to lead an icebreaker to make people feel at ease: “You’re kidding! Erestoryahan is more than enough. This is a gathering of friends and not some contrived company Christmas party.”

Reagan de Guzman’s take on the icebreaker idea: “You want people to have fun? Let’s get some hookers.”

From Dong Sarmiento who led the grace before the meal: “As we partake of this food, we pray for those who have no food on their table. As we enjoy the company of friends, we pray for those who are alone and lonely.”

From Ambet Panelo who flew in from Sanfo the day before: “I grew up takot ki papa. Dai ko gusto more so when I saw classmates in La Salle who were close to their dads. I wanted to be a different father. That’s why I am a friend to my kids.”

From Vicente Martinez who made his debut appearance that night: “I’m proud of this batch. Even if we don’t have a yearbook, this activity can match it especially when there’s beer and pulutan.”

Hardly-seen faces who kept their word: Eric Panga came direct from the OSG party in Camp Aguinaldo. Jeff Nocos was one of the early birds and stayed the whole time. Raul Verceles dropped his MMDA duties to break bread with batchmates. Erwin Bermillo braved the road madness from UE Manila. Mike Jornales broke his dinner-at-home rule to bond with friends. Completing the dramatis personae of this record-breaking Manila gathering of Batch 85 were Edward Avenido, Ding de Vera, Gogo Canivel, and Junn Razal.

The formula to get people to show up in a reunion: have a balikbayan and government top honcho as guests, hold it in a place that’s neither stiff nor vulgar, and schedule it during a season when battling with traffic to reconnect with friends is par for the course.

Stepping up the ladder means dipping into one’s pocket. That is true whichever part of the world you’re in. Ronald San Jose [guy in gray shirt in the photo] can attest to that.

Recently promoted as Department Head of Document Control, Ronald treated his staff to two rounds of bowling. “Pasado naman me sa score, more than 100,” he writes. Ronald is one of six from Batch 85 based in the Middle East. He is part of the team that is literally building the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), an institution that aims to be at the forefront of science and technology in the world.

Not content with striking down pins, Ronald’s group unleashed the child in them in a nearby amusement center. “We did Deal or No Deal (arcade version), basketball shoot out, bump car and target shooting,” Ronald writes. This is as wild as one can get in that part of the world. The next Haj holiday is a good time to have a Part 2, hopefully with Dan Castillo and Dodie Abiog. Now, let’s see how Atenistas in the Middle East redefine ‘wild’.

P.S. Ronald relates how one day he received a call from someone who introduced himself as a CIDG agent. That put him in a self-examination mode with an accompanying blood pressure shot up. It was Dan Castillo playing a prank on him.

I went to the Santo Nino Memorial Park to pay Sir Nick Acosta a visit. Circled the park twice on my motorbike but I couldn’t find his place. Strange. To think I attended his interment. Sir, show me the way. Before I could take another step, there in front of me was the marble slab with his name etched on it.

I sat beside the tomb and started taking in the peace and quiet of the place. All you could hear was the murmur from distant households and motor engines coming to life after the all-night vigil of All Saints Day. I noticed there were no flowers nor wax drippings on Sir Nick’s tomb. I instinctively took out a candle from my jacket, one I didn’t use yesterday when I visited my tatay. One click of the lighter, and another, and still another. The strong breeze made it impossible to light the candle.

Sir, help me. The plea was answered pronto. I spotted an empty Coke Litro bottle. The McGyver in me began to work. Using a pocket knife I impulsively bought at the sentro before coming to the park, I split the spout from the base of the plastic bottle, slit the base to let the candle through and soon had a shield to prevent the wind from snuffing out the candle. Took out my lighter again. One click, another, and still another. This is hopeless!

While contemplating whether to pack up and go or try again and stay, the latter for some strange reason had a greater pull. So, daringly I blurted, Sir, can you ask Him to keep the wind still? Soon, silence enveloped the place. No wind nor voices nor engine purr. When I realized my prayer was granted, I turned stiff as a rod. I seemed to hear him say, “It’s stillness you asked, so it’s stillness you get.” I hurriedly lit the candle, made it stand on the marble, and motioned to say some prayers.

Just then, a lady in her late 20s passed by. She was clutching with both hands a bunch of spring flowers and was on her way to the grave right next to Sir Nick’s. Widowed early, I surmised. She laid the flowers on the pebble washout floor, stood up, her eyes transfixed on the name inscribed on the surface. The tears rolling down her cheeks betrayed her calm exterior. The wounds have yet to heal, I thought. A pretty grieving widow makes a pretty sight. My inattentiveness caught up with me when I sniffed smoke from the candle I so laboriously set up. Sorry, sir, couldn’t resist looking at the beauty around me.

I resolved to fight the distraction and focus on Sir Nick. Lit the candle again without difficulty as nature was on my side this time. Next thing I knew, a black sedan pulled over some spitting distance from where I was. Out came Pretty Woman. Blessings are coming in endless trickles today, I thought. Sir, magtatampo ka ba kung susulyapan ko ang babaeng ito? I didn’t come to girl watch; I came to pay my respects to a mentor and friend. I didn’t come to spend time with beautiful creatures; I came to spend time with you. All the rationalization ended when a whiff of perfume glided my way as Pretty Woman walked past me. Imbibed the scent then glanced quickly at her hoping our sights would interlock. She hardly noticed. There goes the resolution to stay focused. By this time, a strong breeze made me come to my senses.

I went on to finish my prayers, hopped on my bike, and vroomed home with a strange sensation of having talked to the dead. [Based on an article by Jam Sabido. Photos dowloaded from the net.]

Eugene set the tone when he led the grace before the meal. I was expecting to hear the formula we learned from Parochial but what came out was a heartfelt plea akin to what televangelists would dish out in their shows. I knew that I was in for a different kind of dinner conversation.

“For 12 years, I was promoting vice,” Eugene confessed. He was referring to his years working for a popular motel chain in Manila. Vice meant offering a secure place for trysting couples, handing protection money to law enforcers, and cooking up promos to keep the business profitably brisk.

“But God called,” Eugene continued. “I resisted at first pero bumigay din.” The call came through an invitation to a prayer meeting. As a favor to a friend, he acceded. What happened next, Eugene couldn’t explain. He remembers breaking down, feeling relieved, wanting to change his ways. After several more meetings and some time spent alone, he resolved to take the road less traveled . That led him to “the woman God meant to be [his] wife,” to a career shift to nursing, to settling down in Maryland where he serves a Christian church while preparing to work full time in a DC hospital.

Achilles, too, had the chance to answer the what-happened-after-high-school question. He prefaced his narrative with an apology for not responding to any of Urulian emails up until last month.

“I have long ago decided to forget my high school years,” he explained. He was in Naga two months ago but kept mum about his whereabouts to the batch. “What I was before didn’t fit into what I wanted to become. Su ambisyon ko sa buhay iyo an nag-udyok sakuya na magbago.” So he took a path different from what everyone expected him to take. No regrets. It brought him to where he is now.

Achilles came to pick me up at the hotel in the latest BMW SUV. He has bulked up well enough to be unrecognizable and is earning well enough to indulge in some luxuries. It was in DC where he met his wife who hails from Davao. They are raising two kids in their home in Virginia, an hour away from a Georgetown hospital where he works as a nurse. He admits that his schedule is back breaking which hardly gives him time to get into “religious stuff.”

So what made him decide to reconnect with the batch? He couldn’t pin down a single reason but what he knows is that he will “contribute to the Urulian fund, reconnect with his high school barkada, and after listening to Eugene, take [his] faith a bit more seriously.”

The drizzle forced us to stay indoors and forego the view of the Potomac River. But the stories that night more than made up for the view that the weather snatched from us.

Chris Zaens was in Washington DC recently and met up with Eugene Saavedra and Achilles Amados. He spent a weekend with Mario Soriano in New Jersey but that is another story.

Oay Villegas is in town. This was enough reason for Manila- based 85ers to get together over an extended lunch at the warm, relaxed, yet eclectic ambience of Café Juanita in Barrio Kapitolyo in Pasig. Oay flew in from New Jersey for a work-related visit. He flies back on the 30th after hopefully a few rounds of golf and tennis with Norge Reccion and Gogo Canivel.

Mr. Word-Power-Made-Easy himself showed up, too. Save for the salt and pepper hair and joint ailments that come with age, Jiggs Gegajo still looks and sounds the same after all these years. He left ahead of everyone to catch a 2 pm class at IAME. He sent a text message later that day: “It was very refreshing to have met the gentlemen and leaders you have become.”

Zamboanga-based Fr. James Castro also made it, with a halo freshly buffed from a weeklong retreat in Laguna. Reagan was egging him to grant the group general absolution: “Pare-pareho man ang mga kasalan mi.” James agreed on the condition that he’ll hear our individual confessions first. Reagan backed off but only after spewing out a host of hardly-heard invectives in Bikol.

Jung del Barrio and Jun Razal were on their way to an alumni gig. With a bass guitar and well-tuned vocal chords, they dropped by to powwow with their fellow Ateneans before wowing their fellow Vincentians. We sure hope that the harambugan and ngarakngakan enhanced their performance of New Wave tunes later that night.

Amidst the lively exchange in this favorite haunt of people in illicit affairs, a waiter came to ask for our last order as the kitchen was about to close. Soon after, another waiter came to give us the bill as the cashier was about to do his books. Before security could ask us to leave the premises to allow them to prepare the place for dinner, we stood up to part ways. It was 3:30 pm. Not a bad way to spend a Saturday. [Article and photos by Emil Avenido]

What is it about women that makes men act their best? That was foremost in my mind as we went through yesterday’s immersion at Chosen Children Village. ‘We’ consisted of seven Batch 85ers, four of whom came with the missus: Paul with Eden, Erwin with Judith, Edward with Pei, and Jun with Dy. Emil, Ding and Chris completed the cast. This was the first batch gathering of its kind and admittedly, it was ‘different.’

Take Paul, the resident musician of the batch. Up until yesterday, we would not have thought of him as doting father and attentive husband. But he was that the whole time despite the fatigue that comes from a 10-hour bus ride from Naga with wife and two kids in tow. Paul was in high school and Eden an Ateneo co-ed when Cupid did his work. The ties have lasted almost twenty years and seeing the chemistry of both, will last easily another twenty.

Erwin and Judith came with their Paolo. It was Erwin’s idea to include the children in the outreach. “I would bring Paolo to the 'Gift of Love' every time we go home to Bikol in December,” he explained. So we met the ‘miracle boy,’ fruit of a high risk pregnancy. Bubbly and playful, Paolo’s a typical 8-year old boy with a typical father quick to discipline and keep things within bounds. The educator in Erwin naturally extends to his being a father.

Edward and Pei came with Sachi who became the darling of the village. Sachi was mobbed by the kids who wanted to pet the 8-month old shih tzu dressed in a Tessa Prieto outfit. While waiting for their union to bear fruit, Edward and Pei are honing their parenting skills through Sachi. This engineer couple who met in Japan four years ago are not going about married life in a mechanical and predictable manner. They have discovered the secret to an enduring relationship.

Jun and Dy are a lovey dovey couple. Must be the Tagaytay weather or the Couples for Christ spirituality that they espouse. In any case, the unattached can learn gentlemanly conduct from Jun; the committed can learn God-centered marriage from the couple. It was in PNB that the Vincentian seminarian from Cam Sur and the Diliman economist from Pampanga met. They, too, are praying for their union to bear fruit. Heaven shouldn’t hesitate to entrust life to this adorable pair.

From Magallanes where we assembled, to Silang where we spent the day, then Tagaytay where we parted ways, the conversations revolved around marriage, raising kids, influencing society, making a difference. It was adult conversation for a change. Don’t get me wrong; it wasn’t heavy stuff the whole day. The Atenista humor found its way in all of these. But we surely missed Reagan’s wit, James’ flamboyance, Gogo’s encouragement, Raul’s stories, Morald’s … we haven’t seen you up to now! Everyone agreed the experience is worth repeating. Yes, you’ll have another chance to find out for yourself the power women have over men. [Photos by Emil Avenido and Paul Padillo]

News of Mulo’s death last year reached us on the day of his burial. Text messages spread, Masses were offered, and prayers were said but it seemed impossible to gather a contingent that will drive to Ocampo to see off our erstwhile ANSGO Vice President and acknowledged informal leader of many group projects in high school. We later learned that on his deathbed, Mulo was calling out the names of his closest friends, Batch 85 all of them. Clearly, some amends were in order.

Yesterday, the eve of Mulo’s first death anniversary, nine of us had the chance to make the long overdue visit. The usual banter filled the 40-minute drive to Ocampo but what was not discussed was what to do before the grave. Do we leave right after the customary flower and candle offerings? Do we say a requiem? Does each one deliver a eulogy cum apology?

Mulo’s younger brother, Hector, met our group at the town junction and led us to the cemetery. He set the tone that made everyone feel at ease. “Mayo man ako kan lubong ni Pogs ta deficil an mag-leave sa oficina mi,” he began. He recounted how Mulo (who is called Pogs by the family) “visited” him the night of July 30. “Dae nang untok su pagtoktok sa pinto. Sinabihan ko na mauli ako sa katapusan niya. Naintindihan man; nagpundo baga su pangungulit.”

Hector’s confession opened a floodgate of remembrances. Hunkered down and gathered around Mulo’s grave, people started to talk. Martin recounted Mulo’s run in with their college professor. Junar recalled Mulo’s undying first love. Gil narrated their adventures the night before our graduation. Louie related an unforgettable drive around Naga on his motorbike. We didn’t need a ritual for the dead. The erostoryahan and kodakan served our purpose. No tears; lots of laughter. Just as Mulo would have wanted it.

From the cemetery, Hector led us to his sister’s place where Mulo spent his last years. A long salu-salo with Mulo’s relatives ensued. We got a confirmation of the roll call story. We learned how Mulo was plagued by ill health for the most part of his adult life which drained the family emotionally and financially. When it was time to go, I apologized to the sister for letting her recall painful memories. “These are tears of joy,” she explained. “I am grateful that I have finally met the people whose friendship Mulo valued greatly.”

To say goodbye, we each lit a candle before Mulo’s tombstone. One of the guys gently tapped the tomb and mumbled, “Pahingalo ka na, padi.” [Photos by Paul Padillo]

Pagkatapos nin may pirang beses na pagprobar na magkahilingan, nadagos man giraray: si Ronald San Jose kaiba an saiyang misis (aka bata), asin ako kaiba man an familya. Okasyon: tercer cumpleaño kan samuyang matoa. Si misis an retratista kaya mayo sa retrato. Habo pating mag-iba ta mala pang-anom na bulan na an tulak.

Mayong dakul na napag-olayan nin huli ta sibot pareho, alagad nagpromesa na magkahampangan liwat sa enot na libreng panahon. Tibaad lamang sa atubang nin bote maski dai matumba nin huli sa higot na restriction kan estado (na paborable man sakuya).

Malinaw an napag-olayan. Balik memorya kan mga aldaw sa Ateneo. Introduction kun ano na an napag-agihan sa buhay. May urulay sa pagpoon nin familya na harayo sa sadiring lugar. An siste, an Ronald garo interesado nang magpoon nin sadiring familya digdi sa Middle East.

Antes kaini, an paghona ko, clarado pa an mga lalawgon kan Batch 85 sa memoria ko. Hona ko ang lambang pangaran nagrerehistro pa nin lalawgon. Na makatiri-triste ta ako palan ma-cuarenta años na asin may pirang bilyon na brain cells na nagagadan na. An Ronald dai tolos nagrehistro sa sakuyang utak (Pasensya na, padi, ta iyo na ini an buhay). An retratong nahiling dai nakatabang. Salamat ta sa mga bisita saro sana an nagrehistrong bago sa mata asin tulos an conclusion iyo na ini an Ronald. Sa paghampangan, tolos nagbalik an memoria kan Ronald circa 1980.

Aram ko na siring man an kadaklan kaini satuya. Dakul ng pangaran an mayo na nin lalawgon sa memoria. Kasabay kan pagputi o pagnipis kan buhok (brutal na man kun may erectile dysfunction na), iyo an paglabo kan mga maogmang lalawgon na naireshisto sa satuyang utak mga beinte años ng nakaagi. Rason na dapat dai palampason an hirilingan sa 2010. Dai tugotan na kita padagos na malingawan asin mapara sa memoria kan satuyang mga ka-batch. Dai mawara sa 2010. [by Dodie Abiog]

“Sir, magkakaroon ba ng Volume 2 ito?" I asked while I handed him my copy of 'Just A Minute.' The book is Nick Acosta’s collection of quotes on life, love, and death. I have had it for some time before I had the chance to ask for the author's autograph.

“Hopefully. Who knows?” he replied with that faint, shy smile so characteristic of him. That same smile is captured by the photo that now lies on his casket as he is being waked at the Imperial Memorial Chapel along Igualdad.

At 2 am yesterday, Mr. Acosta breathed his last. It has been fourteen years since he retired from the Ateneo and some ten years since becoming a widower. Those years were spent visiting former students and colleagues reminiscing the good ol’ days until a stroke in 1998 rendered him inactive. He never had a chance to write Volume 2. When Nikko told me of her father’s death, instinctively I looked for my copy of 'Just A Minute.' I leafed through the worn out pages and relished every lesson that eight decades of a life well lived wish to impart.

Interment is tentatively set for June 30 at the Sto. Nino Memorial Park. Our condolences to Nick, Jr., our batchmate, and the rest of the Acosta family. [by Jam Sabido]

Sarong aldaw na ma-initon / mga alas tres nin hapon / Kan nagbukas su kagharong /an buminogad mga oragon. / An host ginagaranot ta dai pa daa siya tapos magluto. / Tolos-tolos nagporoon ang pag-irinom. /'Redge, tama na ang pagparaluto / Umatubang ka na samo.'/ Dai pa man guiraray puminondo / Nag-asal pa nin bangus asin BBQ.

Uminagi an mga oras / Pararitratuhan saka harambugan./Uminabot an sarong lechon / Daradara ni Ambet Panelo asin James Castro / an pading naglupad haleng Zambo./ Aban-aban, nag-abot si Tox Monte. Macho. / Daradara Madeleine cookies / duwang supot masiramon.

Mga ala sais na. / An grupo nakukumpleto na./ Nagdesisyon na magmisa su mamo ta. / Palibhasa naka-inom / dai nagdangog nin sermon. / Sakuyang guiromdom Pentecost daa pagmawoton. / Salamat sa Diyos, natapos na ang misa. Karakanan na.

Masiramon su lechon. / Masiramon su bihon (garo singkwenta an pakakakanon). / Kalderetang kanding, sisig asin papaitan / pinag-pierestahan. / Sarong boteng Henessy XO ang pinagtagayan.

Si Jun Tuason uminabot man. / Nagka-aralokan magkarantahan. / Pinunan ni Reggie kan paboritong cancion niya. / Sinundan ni Tuaky kan mala-Broadway na boses niya./ Su iba nag-kontribusyon kan mga kanta ninda. / Si Tox Monte, ginanahan. / Nag-back up vocal si Panga./ Lalo pang nag-kaorogma. Habo ko pang magtorog dawa na tungkaon. / Pagmate ko zombie: nakabukas ang mata pero an hawak turog na./ Kaipuhan ko pang guiromdomon / iba pang happening kan pagtiripon.

Ini ang saindong tugang na si Andre / nagpaparam asin nagsasabi: magkaburunyog, magdaramayan, maghingoa. / Sa 2010, urulian kita! [Photos by Andre Badiola]

Kasabay kan meeting sa Naga, nag-urulay asin nag-ogma an nagkakapirang miembro kan Batch 85 sa harong ni Reggie Panga sa San Francisco. Nagtiripon si James Castro na hale pa sa Pilipinas, Elmer Alarcon (SF), Badz Badiola (NY), Chuck Florece (LV), Emman Gonzales (SF), Tox Monte (SF), Ambet Panelo (SF), Reggie Panga (SF), Manuel Tuason (LA), asin Oay Villegas (NJ) na iyong nangulit tanganing mangyari an reunion na ini.

Hapon nag-abot si Fr. James kaya kan nag-misa siya, burat na kami. Dai na kami pina-inom nin arak ta nakadakul na daa kami bago kan misa. Kasalan yan kan padi ta huri siyang nag-abot.

Tsibugan pagkatapos. Garo fiesta. Kadakol na kakanon; may litson pa. Mabalos na marhay kay Mr. and Mrs. Reggie Panga sa pag-estimar samo. Pinaaram ni James si mga activity dyan sa Pinas, si account sa bangko, si mga opisyales. Hats off ako saindo! Dakulang bagay an ginigibo nindo sa kapwa ta Bikolano.

Kang banggi na, nagkaranta kami ta medyo may tama na. Buray, maorag palan akong magkanta. Kung dai kaya makanta, papadarahon daa sa OPSA. Kaya gabos nagkanta. Padi, kung ang grupo ni Tuaky mapadpad sa Pinas, dalanon nindo. Lintian na boses ni Tuaky, pang American Idol! Sabi ni Tuaky, “For the record, Tox Monte can sing. Ayaw paawat nang lolo mo. Kinompitensya pa ako.” Helingon tabi nindo an lalawgon ni Tox sa ritrato; kamo na an maghusga. A la Rey Valera yan! Inom, kanta, inom, kanta.

Sunod na aldaw, nagduruman kami sa harong ni Ambet. Duman kami nagherilingan ni Elmer Alarcon. Bagsak man guiraray an pantalon, pero an apod sa style niya ngonyan “hip-hop.” Kakan na naman kami. Mga bandang hapon, nagduman kami sa Golden Gate. Kan banguing ito, naglupad balik sa NJ si Oay; ako, si Andre asin Tuaky, nag-uruli sunod na aldaw.

Nagkasurundo na an sunod na tiripon gigibuhon sa Las Vegas. Imbitado an gabos. Abangan an detalles. Sa Batch 85, salamat saindo gabo. Ipadagos an satuyang pagtabang. Si Chuck ini, an saindong tugang, na an tuyo ipaaram na suporta kaming marhay sa Urulian 2010.

“Bako sanang ngakngak asin tagay, may formation pa. Ibang klase kamo,” remarked Mayor Abang Mabulo in his address to Batch 85 yesterday. He expressed admiration for the program that batch members are undergoing to prepare for their Jubilee. The Mabulo speech interrupted a discussion of the batch’s core values, one of two modules that the members underwent before their annual meeting.

Mabulo dropped by to personally thank the members who contributed to his campaign. He spoke briefly and stayed to witness how the batch arrived at its core values. He heard Esmie Acabado suggest a value that was a bit complicated to spell and pronounce. He heard Emil Avenido express his preference for an action-oriented value. He listened to Reagan de Guzman’s passionate defense of ‘paghingoa.’ He saw how the entire batch agreed to practice ‘pagkaburunyog, pagdamay, paghingoa’ to successfully journey towards 2010.

In processing the activity, Rex Hidalgo explained that the core values should be held sacred by every member. “Only when there is a commitment to live out the values can you attain your 2.5@25 goal,” he explained. Hidalgo, the priest in-charge of the youth apostolate of Caceres, facilitated the three-hour program that preceded the batch’s annual meeting and election. He was assisted by Sister Marieflor of the Daughters of Mary.

Mabulo, in his address, bragged about his own high school batch. “We staged the best Ateneo homecoming ever.” He was however quick to tell his audience that “at the rate you’re going, you will easily outdo my batch.” His listeners understood that he wasn’t referring to lavish spending as the gauge of a successful homecoming. True to the spirit of a Jubilee, Batch 85’s success measure is more enduring.

A week from now, we are holding our second Annual Members Meeting as Batch 85, Inc. In that meeting, the outgoing Board will report on its performance. In that same meeting, we will have the chance to either give them a fresh mandate or seek better leaders to lead us towards 2010. As we think of whom to nominate and vote for, let us consider batchmates who are willing and able to work in the following Board Committees:

The Finance Committee will be in-charge of members dues and the ongoing fund campaign. Success measures for the committee are the following: amount contributed per member and externally generated funds. The Board Treasurer acts as Committee Head with two members.

The Outreach Committee's success measures are the holding of at least one annual outreach and the number of members involved in the outreach. This committee can have three members.

The Internal Affairs Committee will be in-charge of database completion (members and teachers), internal communication through various media, as well as the preparatory work for the Yearbook (contributions from members). This will have three members.

The Compliance Committee will be in-charge of meeting all regulatory requirements: annual meeting, annual elections, BIR registration, audited financial statement. This will have two members.

As soon as a new set of trustees gets elected, we expect them to organize themselves and set targets for the year (until May 2008). This way, we will have a basis for assessing their performance in next year's General Membership Meeting.

As of last night, the Electoral Tribunal has so far received 8 nominations: 3 for Bikol, 4 for outside Bikol, 1 overseas. We have until tomorrow, May 19, to send names to any of the following: Emil Avenido eavenido@gmail.com 0917 856 2938 /Ding de Vera fmv_68@yahoo.com 0920 436 2970 / Jam Sabido mannysabidojr@yahoo.com 0920 383 1471or 0918 689 0401

Mabalos po for your support and involvement. Onward to 2010! Likay pirmi, padi.

Esmie Acabado couldn't contain his joy and sent these stories that would make any father proud.

"Sir Greg Abonal and I shared the same joy watching our loved ones perform in the Jumels operetta, 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.' His grandchild played one of the rabbits while my daughter Yna, in Kinder, one of the dancing sunbeams. Fei, my daughter in Prep (ahem ahem), was so sweet and gentle in her role as Snow White.

During the Recognition Day at Jumels, I saw Sir Greg again taking pictures of his cute maku-apo who received a "Most Outstanding Academic Performance" award in the Playgroup. Unfortunately, in my case, I couldn't take pictures of my babies in Kinder and Prep. My wife and I were required to go up the stage with our kids who both received an "Outstanding Academic Performance" award. (Dai man risa an pagyabang, padi? He he. Ogma sana). "

Founded in 1979, Jumels is a music-oriented pre-school in Naga. It pioneered the staging of an annual operetta for children. One of its first students is Greg Abonal's daughter.

Diego Emilio A. Canivel, Manuel C. Razal, Jr. and Norgel C. Reccion: you won’t see those names in our high school graduation program but they ring a bell for those who did grade school at the Naga Parochial School (NPS). We got together last Tuesday at Mati’s in Rockwell for an all-night recollection of our young and senseless ways. Non Abad, Emil Avenido, Reagan de Guzman and Chris Zaens completed this reunion of Parochial boys.

Jun Razal and Gogo Canivel are IT professionals based in Makati while Norge Reccion (that's how he's called now) is working for a multi-national petroleum company that tasked him to develop their business in Northern and Central Luzon (he’ll again be a Makati boy beginning next month). The juicier tidbits of their life we leave up to them to write as a Pabisto.

You want to know NPS trivia such as class advisers, section names, and Little Singers’ adventures? Jun Razal is the person to ask. The mental powers of our Math whiz and grade school Salutatorian remain in tiptop shape.

You want to know how to make 60k a week by trading fuel in hot locations? Norge can give sound advise with a flair that can only come from years of experience in sales. Hardly will you see the timid, keep-to-himself Norge of old.

You want to know how to be a chick magnet without appearing cheap? Gogo will show you how to make that compatible with fathering a 4-year old boy. He who made baseball in grade school cool remains cool as ever.

Went home past midnight giddy. That’s what recalling two-decade old memories over several rounds of San Mig Light does. We vowed to do a Part 2 on May 10. Join us!

1) To all batch mates we need to borrow your old and new pictures for our website and yearbook. Please get in touch with Louie Chanco at 09071137341, 473-0194 or email him at chanks235@yahoo.com.



2) To all the new elected Board Members, there will be a board meeting on the 20th of June 2010 2pm at the Villa Caceres coffee shop.

Happy New Year, batchmates! Yep, it is now 2010 -- and this will be our year!

The Yearbook Committee headed by Emil Avenido and Fr. James Castro together with Francis Badiong, Caloy dela Torre, and Romeo Saballegue (who promised to make you look good), is now preparing for the photoshoot for Triumph 85, our coffeetable-style yearbook. We already have a photographer and graphic designer in Naga, a very competent group headed by Jerome Palma, a young ex-ad agency person who decided to go on his own. He has a great, artistic eye. We could tell from his portfolio, which includes the very-well-received coffeetable book on "Ina."

Last Dec 30, Emil, James and Pipoy Pinangang were the guinea pigs for this photoshoot. We tried it out with impressive results (see Kami Ngonyan album). Sabi ngani ni Pipoy, "dificil palan maging artista," after posing for more than 30 minutes, just to get it right.

For the guys in Bikol, we will inform of the schedule of the shoot soon. It will happen on two weekends of this month; or early February at the latest. You need to sign up for a timeslot. We do not want groups of people to go, para mayong kantiyawan. The shoot takes about 30 minutes per person. Yes, that much time. They will take as many as 30 digital pictures, from different angles, poses, and you get to choose which you like best. Jerome will help you relax, which is key to taking a good photo so your personality comes out. Please come on time -- a few minutes before your schedule.

What to wear: jeans and plain BLACK or WHITE T-SHIRT (no collar). If you do not know what color suits you better, you may bring both. You may want to bring props -- a hat, an object, anything that tells us about you. Example, if you are the sporty kind, bring a ball; if you were the class clown, you may want to wear a funny hat; if you like motorcycles, bring one. :-) You may bring several options so you are not limited to one choice. Be creative. Relax during the shoot. This is not a glamor photoshoot. Your personality has to come out. Cooperate with the photographer.

For those outside Bikol, tell us if you want us to schedule a shoot in Manila with just one photographer, or you may want to contact your own. If you do it on your own, please look at the samples so that we have a similar output. Background has to be black.

For those outside the country, you will have to go to a studio have your photos taken. The sample pics featured in the Kami Ngonyan album were taken last month. Same thing: wear black or white t-shirt with your jeans. You will have to send your photos (several options if you have not decided yet on one) to us by e-mail by first week February.

For more sample pics, go to the Kami Ngonyan album. We are doing this only once, so we really need your cooperation. Do not miss the chance. You will hear from the committee periodically.

We are going places now, seeing the beauty all around British Columbia. Next year we are planning to see the sights in Alberta. That is where the famous Canadian rockies is located. Got to re-discover my love for camping. The last time was in Grade 5, Boy Scout camping in del Rosario in Naga. Bad memories as I got the flu for weeks. We are pretty much settled now and starting to enjoy the wonderful colors of fall - leaves falling and strewn around.

Tomorrow is the start of the Olympic torch relay for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. The torch is going to land here in Victoria straight from Greece where the relay will start. The torch will be passed around the entire country by volunteer runners until it is brought back to Whistler for the Winter Olympics. The opening event is just right here at the end of the street where we live.

These are snippets of our immigrant life here. Going home will always be at the back of our minds. I think it is true for every Pinoy who loves our country. My regards to the rest na yaon diyan.

Bong Galicia left for the Middle East years ago and is now in the loop. He emailed, “I saw our website and I am very happy that something great is going on in our group. It really is amazing! Sana makauli ako sa Dec 2010 and get in touch with you guys. Nasa UAE ako with my family and hope I can touch base with our batch mates na yaon man digdi… Regards to all. Once an Atenean, always an Atenean. Btw, any news about Cesar Reyes?

Jam Sabido is now based in Baguio doing what he does best: serving others. Tune in to Easy Rock 91.9 when you are in the City of Pines to listen to Jam. He was involved in relief operations for the victims of Pepeng with heart-rending stories of rescue efforts. He writes, “Di maalis sa isip ko yung boses ng bata sa Cresencia along Bokawkan na humihingi ng tulong. Hanggang sa nagpalit ng mga taga-hukay, di ko alam kung nailabas pa yun ng buhay.”

Begie Brioso was in town to bury his mother who died of aneurysm. He flew in days before his mother had her second and fatal attack. Begie sends his thanks to all those who condoled with him and his family especially those who broke the festive mood of the Penafrancia fiesta to attend the funeral. He moves on and continues with his adventure in Canada.

Manuel Felipe A. Sambo IV of LG 21 passed away last Aug. He is different from Roy Sambo who is active in Urulian. Prayers, please, for the repose of his soul.

Joe Diaz works for Landbank as Development Assistance Specialist. He’s been in Cabanatuan for some seven years now where he has built a home for his wife and three kids. “Five years ako sa Makati head office,” Joe relates. “Kaso ma-trapik saka magastos, kaya nagpa-assign ako sa province.” Joe comes to Manila regularly and is eager to join a batch gimmick while in town.

Jingle Pingol registered online but did not leave his contact details. Allow us to get back to you, padi. We got in touch with Dino Dejoras through his Facebook. We have attempted to get him to join one of those batch sorties here in Manila but the schedules do not work out. We have yet to see him in the flesh.

Jung del Barrio spent the last days of summer in Singapore with his family. Tell us about your get-together with Andy Almeda and Rey Revistual. Paul Padillo is vacationing with his family in the US which explains why he couldn’t join the batch meeting last May. He’ll be back for the opening of classes.

Guess who nearly failed the blood screening test last Sunday? The blood extraction in his left arm failed (blood clot) but the other arm willingly gave out clean blood. Guess who left ahead of everyone after ridding his system of healthy blood? He sent the following text message: “Pasensya na, naenot na ako ta medyo nahihilo pa. Sa susunod liwat, mga padi."

Mabalos to everyone who showed up last Saturday. It was a show of force like no other. Special thanks to the following: Fr. Julio Penacoba who juggled his pastoral duties to be in Naga for the weekend, Fr. Joel Tabora for allowing us to use the campus facilities, Blessie Sioson for finding the appropriate rooms for our activities, Chano Morano who had Moraville host the batch dinner, Agoy Santiago who prepared the adobo and Bikol express for lunch, Gil Tria who brought the spirits for the all-night socials, Mike Pauig for indulging us with one round of beer, Jess Imperial for soliciting the welcome streamer from Pepsi, and the Moraville staff for putting up with our antics.

Ferjenni Brioso, who’s on a 28-day vacation from Libya’s oil fields, was one of the avid participants of the class on sexuality with Fr Julio. Jam Sabido, Jess Imperial, Jojo Rubio perked up the class with their provocative questions. That was great, guys!

The latest to get in the Urulian loop: Joe Diaz who’s based in Nueva Ecija registered on line. Joel Taboy who works for DAR Quirino was brought in by Boyet Magana, a colleague in DAR Camarines Norte. Pols Salvador who’s based overseas got in touch early this year and so did Danny Marquez who’s based in Bikol. We await your Pabisto, mga padi. To date, only 16% of the batch (31 members) are missing in action.

Save Sat Aug 29 for the next Batch Gimmick with an inspirational speaker. We’re scheduling the pictorials for Triumph 85 on the same day. Details to follow.

It’s gimmick time for Batch 85 on Saturday, May 30. Will it be a record-breaking year again in terms of members participation? How far (or near?) are we from our 2.5@25 target? Have we gotten in touch with everyone in the batch? With a year and a half before the 2010 hoopla, how’s the preparation coming along? Know the answers and get involved. Mus na, padi!

9 am Registration

10 am Group Dynamics on Sex Everyday: Answers to Questions You Have Always Wanted to Ask with Rev. Fr. Julio Penacoba Venue: NSTP Classroom 111 (by the covered courts)

12 pm Lunch Break

2 pm Annual Meeting: Urulian 2010 Program Roll-out & Election of Trustees Venue: ICM Lecture Room (Phelan Building)

5 pm Anticipated Sunday Mass with Rev. Fr. Julio Penacoba Venue: Christ the King Church

6:30 pm Dinner at Moraville

A joint medical mission with Batches 84 and 86 will take place the following day, May 31. Calling on volunteers. Get in touch with Doc Sancho Tolentino.

Shie Monasterio-Nepomuceno was profuse in her thanks to the attending physicians who tried their best to revive her husband. “But in the end,” she remarked, “God knows best.” We condole with the family Nepo left behind and accompany them with our prayers.

Members of Batch 85 braved the rains for the final send off for Nepo last Sunday. The interment at the Santo Nino Memorial Park capped a weeklong wake that saw batchmates from Bicol Medical Center, colleagues from Coke, and neighbors from Mayon Avenue paying their last respects to a well-loved person.

Many were caught by surprise at the news of Nepo’s demise. “A grim reminder of our mortality,” Gogo Canivel wrote. Six from the batch have now crossed the bar. Each has a lesson to impart on how to live a meaningful existence.

Oay Villegas suggested to the members overseas: "Perhaps we can cancel our annual US reunion this year. Aram man sana nindo na most of us are going through some tough times. We can contribute a small portion of the money we are supposed to spend for the US reunion into our batch fund. I think it will go a long way, especially now that Urulian 2010 is just around the corner. We have to be more aggressive in building the fund so we do not scramble for cash a month before the grand event. I challenge everyone to match or surpass what we have collected so far."

Chuck Florece who is in Naga attending to his ailing father writes: "A lot of [you] responded to lend a helping hand. I am so lucky and honored to be your batchmate."

Junn Razal writes from Canada: "I am okay here in Victoria, BC. The wife is about to start work, too. We are both government workers again (we were with PNB before). Had a chat with Reggie Panga over the phone. Facebook is a good venue to get in touch with the rest once in a while."

Rey Revistual writes from Singapore: "I enjoy reading the story of the encounter of Jam with the late Nick Acosta and the mysterious lady. I hope another story comes from the side of the lawyers; important cases they have handled. Baad igwang estorya si Reagan, Mike, Buboy, the doctors and the rest of the batch."

Congratulations to Batch 83 who raised the bar even higher with their HOT Homecoming. Hirilingan Orogmahan Tarabangan saw some 100 silver jubilarians hosting the three-day celebration that culminated in the traditional fellowship night that observers say outdid last year’s grand celebration. Good work, Manoy Vic de Lima and the rest of Batch 83!

Silver jubilarians of the next three years now sit in the 15-man board of the Ateneo de Naga Alumni Association. Batch 84 dominates the board taking a majority of the seats while Batches 85 and 86 have three seats each. The elections and oath-taking were held on homecoming day.

President: Francis Badilla, 84
Vice President: Sancho Tolentino, 85
Secretary: Rogel Tolentino, 84
Treasurer: Rey Joy Bajo, 84
Auditor: Edward Grageda, 86
PIO: Remi Manchus, 58

The other trustees are Gilbert Aureus, 84; Adonis Bulaong, 84; Romanuel Camu, 84; Reagan de Guzman, 85; Joseph de Villa, 84; Jose Importante, 84; Ferdinand Monasterio, 86; Joey Vibar; Christian Zaens, 85.

Batch 84 turned out to be the strongest team in the recently concluded Alumni Invitational Basketball Tournament. They demolished both the youngest and oldest teams in the two-day tourney. Meanwhile, the Batch 85 team led by Gil Tria put up a good fight. It was the hands-down winner in the badgering-the-enemy category. Great work, guys!

Batch 85 is gearing up for an inter-batch basketball showdown, a highlight of this year’s alumni homecoming on Dec 29 and 30. Batch 83, this year’s jubilarians, have found an ingenious way of raising resources and at the same time involving people in a meaningful way. Proceeds will benefit the Ateneo high school varsity.

Meet the formidable line-up of Batch 85. With an arsenal of age-defying stunts, they will prove to one and all that 40 is indeed the new 20. First-tier players are Noel Doblon, Jun Mallari, Dolandz Olivan, Nono Santiago, Tito Simando, and Gil Tria. They are ably supported by Audifa Abiog, Jason Bagasbas, Louie Chanco, Dindo Nocete, Jeff Nocos, Arnel Pimentel, Jam Sabido and Manny Sales.

Sancho Tolentino is leading this initiative. Thanks to Jun Mallari and Jam Sabido who have made arrangements with owners of courts we have been using for practice games. Thanks to Eric Panga, Gil Tria and other anonymous donors who have raised funds for the tournament fee and uniforms.

Here’s one reason why you shouldn’t miss this year’s homecoming.

Latest overseas contribution to the Urulian Fund: USD 1670. Thanks to Achilles Amados, Rene Cuyugan, Edmund Noleal, Ambet Panelo, Reggie Panga, Jun Tuason, and Oay Villegas.

William Rejante’s back in Toronto, building a financial empire while trying to shield himself from the effects of the financial meltdown. The soon-to-be certified financial analyst of Batch 85 promised to show up for the 2010 hoopla with an El Salvadoran wife. Yes, wedding bells will toll next year for our class valedictorian.

Begie Brioso has begun saving up for the homecoming trip to Bikol. Alberta (Canada) has been kind to this HR professional. Within one year, he found a job that matches his qualifications, bought a house for Oyie and the kids, and sent his kids to a Catholic school. He continues to count on lady luck to bring him home in 2010.

Oay Villegas will be in Manila Feb next year to chaperone Malu for the USI alumnae homecoming. Malu’s the US mobilizer of their batch and is coming home with a dozen or so of her batchmates. Meanwhile, Oay wishes to gently remind B85ers overseas that the next round of collection will be just before Thanksgiving. What a gem of a couple!

Junn Razal has relocated to Richmond (Canada) where he found a job to his liking. He and wife Dy have settled into a daily routine that proves to be less stressful than family life in Manila. “Work-life balance here is fantastic,” Junn writes. Does that mean that they are now in an environment that is more conducive to bringing forth life?

Chano Morano was in Naga for a blitzkrieg of a visit from Connecticut. He came to attend to an urgent family matter and had time to bond with Aveng Avengoza and Doc Apol Nepomuceno.

Drop by the ongoing Orgullo kan Bikol 2008 at the Megatrade Hall 2 of the SM Mega Mall. Processed food, crafts, entertainment through animation will be showcased. The transformation of Naga and Camsur is evident in these homegrown products and services. Here’s one worthwhile diversion this weekend. Mus na!

How is the Wall Street debacle affecting Mario Soriano, our man in Merrill Lynch? He says it’s business as usual. “Mayo pang masyadong dialogue. Babaretaan ko na lang kamo.” Mario is one resilient fellow. We know he’ll get through this whole and intact.

Rey Revistual’s first Urulian activity was the traslacion where he re-bonded with long lost batchmates. It was a whirlwind of a vacation that he didn’t even get the chance to thank Sancho Tolentino for taking care of his mother. “Late ko nang naaraman na siya an nag-atender ki Mama sa ICU a few months back. Naheling ko su mga records sa harong.” Rey remitted his regular contribution before flying back to Singapore.

Check out the Pabistos of Junar Ledesma and Boy Nunez. Very soon, we’re uploading those of Francis Badiong and Roy Sambo.

A Batch 85 contingent is joining today’s traslacion that marks the beginning of Bikol’s mother of all feasts. They will bulk up the first group of voyadores tasked to transfer Ina from her basilica to the cathedral for a novena that ends on her feast day. The so-called white group accompanies the Virgin in the first leg of a procession that takes a whole afternoon to complete. It consists mainly of the clergy with professional and civic groups. Yes, we’re in good company.

Ben Calisura went under the knife recently and emerged out of the operation a new man. He extends his undying gratitude to Ivan Zenarosa whose prowess obviously goes beyond vocal calisthenics. “Basta ka batch, dai ko ipadaog an grupo. That’s why I chose our very own surgeon,” Ben explains.

Guess who’s the latest to get in the loop? Dino Dejoras who incarnated ‘cool’ way before the word was invented. Dino was with us for a few years in high school before moving back to Manila with his parents. Emil Avenido tracked him down recently in Clark Pampanga. We’ll fill you in on his adventures after our get together with him on Monday.

Watch out for the new Pabistos that we will upload very soon. First in the pipeline: the life stories of Junar Ledesma and Boy Nunez.

Php 125,314.25: that is how much we collected last May 31. Additional contributions made during the dinner at Moraville came from Esmie Acabado, King Avengoza, and Boboy Torallo. The amount includes Esmie’s filled-to-the-brim coin bank. Thanks, Aveng, for the free audit service.

Junn Razal emailed from Toronto: “We are okay here with our new career – job hunting. I send out 10-20 resumes a day. With this experience, I can now write a book on job hunting for immigrants. I have had several interviews already. Hoping the job offers will follow. Please include us in your daily prayers.”

Database completion has reached 80%. Latest to get reconnected is Jojo Rubio who is based in Magarao working for the municipal government. With Jojo in the loop, only Jose Diaz and Antonio Abrazado remain unaccounted for in LG 18. Welcome to Urulian, Jojo!

Thanks to Dan Sureta for the YouTube and Friendster accounts of Batch 85. Dan who has been in the US since 1992 produced and uploaded the videos of the Vegas reunion. We’ll pass on to him for editing raw footages of Urulian activities taken by Jam Sabido. If only we can figure out a way of forwarding the huge files to him.

We say a prayer for Ariel Amaro and his mother, Rosalinda. We learned of their untimely demise recently and are deeply saddened by the news. Ariel was working at the Building Administrator’s office of Galleria de San Francisco. We remember him manning the registration desk during the first Urulian assembly in Naga three years ago. The bodies lie in state at their residence in Canaman. Interment on Jun 12.

The newly-elected trustees have designated the following as officers with a one-year term of office: Chris Zaens, President; Sancho Tolentino, Vice President; Emil Avenido, Secretary; James Castro, Treasurer; and Reagan de Guzman, Auditor. The officers and the rest of the Board will head the working committees for our jubilee.

Neil Villasenor and his family are taking a three-week break from their demanding work as health professionals in Georgia. They’re staying in Cavite and will spend some time in Palawan. Neil is convinced that nothing beats a vacation in Fiesta Islands. Their next trip back home will already be in 2010. Welcome home, Neil!

Looking for a place to unwind while in Naga? Drop by either Diosango’s Grill or Mudbugs Sports Bar and let Elay Posugac drive your blues away. Yes, Elay lives a double life: justice by day; singer by night. Here’s another talent for the Urulian concert. Way to go, padi!

In last Saturday’s annual meeting, eleven members were elected to the Batch 85 Board of Trustees. Elay Posugac, Don Santy, Sancho Tolentino, Gil Tria and Ivan Zenarosa will occupy the seats allotted for members based in Bikol. Emil Avenido, James Castro, Reagan de Guzman and Chris Zaens will represent the members outside Bikol. Andre Badiola and Oay Villegas will speak for the members overseas. Board members all have a one-year term of office. They will decide among themselves who will occupy key positions in the Board. Congratulations to the incoming trustees!

James Castro chronicled his journey to the priesthood in a homily he delivered during the annual meeting. Marking his 11th year as a Claretian Missionary Father, James opted to celebrate in Naga instead of Zamboanga where he is based given the role Batch 85 played in his vocation. Details of the story we will reserve for a longer post.

We were not sure whether we have enough talents to showcase in an Urulian concert. After being mesmerized by the impromptu performance of the guys last Saturday, we are certain that we have more than enough talents to flaunt in 2010. Jun Tuason and Ivan Zenarosa top the list. They can be joined by Bambi Bongon, Germs German, Martin Mejia, Tox Monte, Francis Badiong and the rest of the NPS Little Singers.

Below are the nominees to the Batch 85 Board of Trustees this year. Our charter mandates an annual election of 11 trustees to the Board: 5 to represent members in Bikol, 4 to protect the interest of members in the Philippines but outside Bikol, and 2 to be the voice of the guys overseas. Members vote according to their homebase. The Comelec happily notes the high participation rate in this year’s nomination process.

Bikol: King Avengoza, Jason Bagasbas, Louie Chanco, Martin Mejia, Dindo Nocete, Nelson Paz, Eli Posugac, Jam Sabido, Manny Sales, Don Santy, Sancho Tolentino, Elias Torallo, Gil Tria, Ivan Zenarosa.

Outside Bikol: Emil Avenido, Erwin Bermillo, James Castro, Reagan de Guzman, Ding de Vera, John Imperial, Mike Jornales, Arnold Puncia, Jude Vitug, Raul Verceles, Chris Zaens.

Overseas: Andre Badiola, Neil Villasenor, Oay Villegas.

Elections will be held during the Annual Members Meeting on May 31. If you cannot come, please email or text in your vote to Emil Avenido (917.856.2938/ eavenido@gmail.com) or Jam Sabido (920.383.1471/mannysabidojr@yahoo.com). If texting, please identify yourself. You may start sending your votes now until 3 pm of Saturday.

Chuck Florece is offering airport transfer to those who are flying in to Vegas for the reunion this weekend. With Chuck (619.397.0786) at the helm, you not only get a smooth drive to the chateau; you also get Secret Service type of security. Drop him a line at cflorece@yahoo.com. Mga padi, send us pics and a video that we can show to the rest on the 31st.

During the Annual Meeting on the 31st, we are giving away major prizes to the first to register, the first to turn in a coin bank, and he with the most in his coin bank. Minor prizes will be given to people who can answer trivia questions based on the entries in the batch website. We’re collecting P300 from each one to defray expenses.

2 pm Registration at the Madrigal Center, Ateneo Bagumbayan campus * 2.30 Talk from Guest Resource *  3.15 Annual Report & Election *  4 Business Meeting * 5 Anticipated Sunday Mass at the Christ the King Chapel with Fr. James Castro *  7 Dinner Get-together at Moraville courtesy of Chano Morano

Latest from the Comelec: 10 nominations for the 4 Board seats outside Bikol, 2 for the seats overseas and one nomination for the 5 seats for Bikol. Send in your nominees to Emil Avenido (0917.856.2938) or Jam Sabido (0920.383.1471) by Sat, May 24.

Let’s break our records in attendance and contribution to the Urulian fund. As Jam Sabido puts it, this will determine how well we’ll handle the grand hoopla in 2010.

Time to make our nominations again for the Board of Trustees. May we remind you to nominate who you want to represent your area. If you are based in Bikol, nominate someone who is also based in Bikol. If you’re outside of Bikol (but in the Philippines), nominate someone from outside of Bikol; and if you’re outside of the country, you can nominate a batchmate based outside of the Philippines. There are 11 Board seats to be filled: 5 for Bikol, 4 for outside Bikol, and 2 for overseas. You may nominate as many members as there are Board seats in your area. Please email or text your nominations to Emil Avenido 0917.856.2938 or Jam Sabido 0909.308.9675 on or before May 24.

We will hold the Annual Members Meeting at the Madrigal Amphitheater inside the Ateneo Bagumbayan Campus (where the Jesuit House used to be). Bring your coin bank and be ready to get another can that day. Moraville is hosting the dinner but the organizers will collect a small amount for the drinks. The schedule as follows:

2 pm Registration
2.30 Annual Meeting & Election
5.00 Anticipated Sunday Mass (Christ the King Chapel)
7.00 Dinner at Moraville

Fifty-four showed up in 2006, 57 in 2007. Can we break the record when we come together on May 31 at the Moraville Gardens? Can we pool together our resources to build further the Urulian fund as we come closer to 2010? The answer is in your hands.

James Castro is marking his 11th year as a Claretian Missionary Father next month. He’ll be celebrating his anniversary in Naga the week of May 31. Yes, he’ll say Mass for us during our annual meeting. We’ll ask him to relate his life-changing experiences as a priest.

Cesar Reyes’s whirlwind schedule after the Bikol break: Manila for dental work and medical check-up, weekend in Subic, back to Manila to catch his flight to the UK. “Next time I’ll be back will definitely be for Urulian,” Cesar promises. “Will touch base as often. All the best.”

Andre Badiola is glad that Renren Guinto, his fellow Chidikongnang Butchikek, is finally in the loop. “Guiromdom mo pa padi si grupo ta: BeLarge, John, Tuy, Bob, Kevin?,” Andre emails Toguintz. We have yet to ask Andre what made that gang great. Perhaps any of the members can explain.

“Small world indeed,” John Imperial wrote the day he turned 40. He was referring to the fact that he, Norman Madrid and Eric Razal, Junn’s younger brother, all work in the same dental supplies company, “a very time consuming industry.” Norman and John, when do we see you in the flesh?

Fifty-four showed up in the 2006 Batch Meeting, 57 in 2007. Can we break the record when we come together on May 31 at the Moraville Gardens? Can we pool together our resources to build further the Urulian fund as we come closer to 2010? The answer is in your hands.

Rumor has it that Jeff Nocos wed his longtime fiancée during the Christmas holidays. Not true. What is true is that he now works for Citibank in Libis. “When the bells toll next year, you’ll all be invited,” Jeff assures the batch.

A free pass to Disneyland not just for himself but for his mother and siblings? That’s what Paul Padillo got in one of his outings in the US where he is now vacationing for the first time. Disneyland voltage engineer Ed Noleal provided the treat.

Edward Avenido decides to be OFW again. He relocates to Saudi Arabia next month to work as a civil engineer for one year. Heard he’s looking for someone to baby sit his adorable shih tzu Sachi. Any takers?

Want to see a dancing sensation in the making? Search ohim2pritty4u in YouTube to see the daughter of Achilles Amados. She has swept dance awards and is working to qualify in the Nexstar National Competition in Ohio come July. Guess who are in town to spend their foreign earnings to help a sagging economy?

Noli Dihiansan ended his ten-month contract with a luxury liner and has stories of his around-the-world adventure. He’ll be at sea again in June. Shy Rey Revistual has yet to show himself before going back to Singapore. He dislikes fancy gatherings and wants simple erestoryahan. Request granted. Cesar Reyes is kicking up his heels in Bikol after years of intense work in Scotland. We have his local number but have yet to get a response for a hook up. Ronald San Jose took a break from the Abu Dhabi dunes to wakeboard at the CamSur Watersports Complex. He flies home on Apr 23.

While vacationing in Guam, Michael Gaite has gotten involved in the pit chorus of a school production of “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.” Thanks to his sister who is the school’s Vice Principal. He’ll be home in June to resume his duties at Baao High School.

Paul Padillo will be able to join the Las Vegas reunion. He becomes the Philippine representative to that gathering. The trade off? We won’t have Mr. Music Man for our Annual Meeting on May 31.

Junn Razal and wife Dy are flying to Canada on Apr 21, for good. Their application to relocate, reside and work has been approved. But we wouldn’t allow him to disappear just like that. Join us next week for a despedida for Junn. Despite the occasional homesickness,

Begie Brioso is adjusting to life in Canada. He does HR work for Carpenter Canada while wife Oyie works for HSBC. They recently acquired a house. “Mahal an rent digdi kaya naisip kong magkua na lang nin sadiri ta halos pareho man lang an bayad.”

Rey Revistual is in Bikol right now vacationing from Singapore. We’re arranging a get-together with him when he comes to Manila. Yes, Rey, it will be a small and simple gathering of friends.

While the guys overseas are hot about the reunion in a Las Vegas chateau, let’s start warming up for our Annual Members Meeting on Sat, May 31 at the Moraville Gardens.

Why come?
• Because you wouldn’t want to miss the Batch 2007 scorecard status report.
• Because you wouldn’t want to give up your chance of putting the right people in the Board.
• Because you wouldn’t want to skip the opportunity to sign up for working teams that will organize the 2010 hoopla.

Your ticket to the event? Your Urulian coin bank. Filled or not, bring it with you. Let’s exceed ourselves again in pagkaburunyog, paghingoa asin pagdamay.

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Visit and vote for the Ateneo de Naga booth at the Panibagong Paraan 2008 Development Innovation Marketplace. The tiangge will run from Apr 9 to 10 at the SM Megatrade Hall B. Ateneo is one of 98 finalists in a competition for grants of up to one million pesos. They presented and defended a project proposal to improve local governance through effective partnerships.

This early, it looks like the Las Vegas reunion in May will be record-breaking. To date, 15 said they will definitely show up. The organizers get all worked up each time they get an email confirmation. Chuck Florece and Oay Villegas are currently negotiating for the use of a property that is 5 minutes away from the famous Vegas strip. The chateau can comfortably accommodate up to 23 people. With at least a dozen sharing the cost of a weekend stay, this will come out dirt cheap compared to a ritzy hotel. The gameplan: dinner and show on the 23rd, swimming and barbeque party on the 24th, city tour on the 25th. Mus na!

Guess who’s one of the 15 who’ll be in Vegas? Dodgie Cereno, the coolest fashionista of Batch 85. Drop him a line at dodgiecereno@yahoo.com. Welcome to Urulian, Dodgie!

Paul Padillo will be in California end of this month to attend his sister’s wedding. Rene Cuyugan and Tuaky Tuason promptly responded to Paul’s call for sanctuary. Dunno if Paul can extend his stay until the May reunion.

Andy Almeda and wife Arlene feted Sancho Tolentino to dinner in Singapore last week. Andy, a permanent resident of the city-state, played host to the Pinoy doctor who’s there for work. Sancho’s impressions? “Andy has mellowed but in many ways, he’s still the same Almeda that we know.”

Vegas Guest List: Chilles Amados, Andre Badiola, Dodgie Cereno, Rene Cuyugan, Chuck Florece, Emman Gonzales, Nuj Lazaro, Chano Morano, Ed Noleal, Ambet Panelo, Reggie Panga, Mario Soriano, Tuaky Tuason, Oay Villegas.

Architect Bong Plantado is in town for a well-deserved month-long vacation. He flew in end of Jan from Ghana,West Africa. Bong works as the Site Supervisor of Red Sea Housing Services in Tema, Ghana. He directs the work of over a hundred men in building pre-fabricated houses that can be put up in a day. Bong and wife Melyn Doters of Mindoro are bringing up two daughters, Ronalyn, 6 and Clarisse, 4. Looks like he’ll be posted in Angola next. With Bong in the loop, 78% of Batch 85 are now accounted for. Help us track down those whose whereabouts are still unknown.

Check out the family photos of Dong Agao and Eric Panga in the Kami Ngonyan photo album. Dong’s based in Ireland; Eric’s back from his US trip. We likewise uploaded a photo of Julianne Francine Olivan’s baptism where several batch mates stood as ninongs.

Mea culpa. Our apologies to those who have tried using some of the programming features of this website but couldn’t complete the process. The web designer promised to debug certain segments as well as update the class list indicating the status of every member as soon as his workload lightens up. Please bear with the inconvenience.

Don Santy agreed to host the batch meeting every last Sat of the month at7 pm in Villa Caceres. The officers are open to receive coin banks on that day. Feel free to drop by to powwow with the group on the particulars of the 2010 event.

Alex Lagarde and Judge Elay Posugac turned in their coin banks last Dec 30. The Finance Committee is waiting for an auspicious time to pry the cans open.

Eric Panga’s reunion with Achilles Amados and Eugene Saavedra in Washington DC went pfft. Blame it on the snowstorm. Eric’s there for business.

Dodie Abiog is inviting the brave and the bold to climb Mt. Isarog with him in June. He and his family are taking a three-week break from the sand dunes of the Middle East.

Only three from LG-18 remain unaccounted for: Antonio Abrazado, Jose Diaz and Antonio Rubio. Help us track them down. To date, we are in touch with 77% of the batch.

Here’s a condensed version of Fr. James Castro’s New Year’s reflection for the batch:

As we begin 2008, we honor Mary, the Mother of God. We begin this new year with new hopes, new life, and new dreams. Mary carried into our world the true Hope of our life, the Giver of Life, and the Fulfillment of every dream, Jesus Christ our Lord. Her simple and generous ‘yes’ to God made all the difference.

We are invited today to stop and listen to God. He talks to us everyday, every moment of our life but at times we are so busy to listen to Him or even to take time to talk with Him. The new hopes, new lives and new dreams will only come true if we learn to listen to God and ponder His Words in our life. Like Mary, let us say ‘yes’ to God and make a difference in the world.

Congratulations to Louie Chanco and Jam Sabido who were both elected to the alumni board of the Naga Parochial School. Louie and Jam are helping Alumni President Jesus Olin, Jr. inject fresh blood into the association. Kudos, too to Nick Motos, in-charge of Naga’s I-serve. The city’s website (www.naga.gov.ph) was recognized recently by the National Computer Center as the best LGU website in the country. Nick promised to give us tips on how to improve our own site.

Thanks to Sancho Tolentino, Aveng Avengoza, Don Santy and the rest of the Bikol-based trustees for leading the Batch 85 contingent to the Dec 30 homecoming. Some 25 guys showed up and picked up many ideas on how to host the 2010 hoopla. A blow-by-blow account with a photo album in our next update. Watch out, too, for our coverage of Chano Morano’s homecoming.

Ely F. Capili, Jr. of LG-20 was spotted among those who represented Batch 85 in the Ateneo Homecoming last Dec 30. Please forward Ely’s contact details so we can properly label him as being in the loop.

Edmund Noleal, emailing from Disneyland Anaheim on his birthday, says hello to everyone: “Kumusta sa gabos dyan sa Pinas. Miss na miss ko na dyan. Grabe buhay digde sa America. Akala siguro kan iba ok digde pero grabe; ang bangui aldaw para makaraos. I\'ll be back soon.”

Year-end deposits to the Urulian Fund: Vic Martinez (1k), Paul Padillo (2k), from four coin banks turned in on Dec 30 (8k).

To prepare for the homecoming on the 30th, come to the 7 pm meeting on Fri, Dec 28 at Villa Caceres. We’re hoping that a sizeable Batch 85 delegation can learn from this year’s jubilarians led by Charlie Villasenor. Do remember to turn in your alkansiya to any of the officers either on the 28th or the 30th itself. Bring home a second coin bank.

A fantastic treat on Christmas Day is for Norman Madrid and John Imperial to come on board the Urulian train. Both work for the same dental company based in Malate and promptly responded to our text query. Thanks, Louie Chanco, for leading us to our long lost friends. Database completion rate has finally reached the passing mark of 75%.

Rey Revistual is flying in from Singapore to catch the tail end of the Christmas season in the Philippines. We were hoping to celebrate his birthday on Jan 6 but he sent word that he’ll arrive some days after that. Will keep you posted so we can stage an appropriate welcome for Rey.

Julianne Francine, Dolandz Olivan’s newborn, was baptized last Dec 20 in Pasacao. The baby’s the only girl in a brood of four who have all inherited their parents’ entrepreneurial genius. King Avengoza, Louie Chanco, Noel Doblon, Bong Marquez and Sancho Tolentino stood as ninongs.

Reminder: deposit your 2007 contribution to the Urulian fund before the year ends.

Junn Razal and wife got their Canadian resident visas recently. They’re leaving April 2008. “We want to go beyond our current relatively secure life. Being without kids, we feel we can risk building again from scratch,” Jun explains. He\'ll be around in 2010. Promise.

Go and ask Joseph Moralde for balato. He was promoted recently as a call center supervisor and is willing to celebrate with friends. But only if you are willing to alter your sleeping pattern even for a day/night.

With only 5- and 10-peso coins in it, Ding de Vera’s alkansiya netted Php 3,370. If we can all turn in two of those cans every year, we can exceed our 2010 target. Do remember to turn in your contribution before 2007 ends.

Latest deposits to the Urulian fund: Anonymous (USD 500), Eric Panga (Php 5k), Ding de Vera (Php 3370), Emil Avenido (Php 2k), Anonymous (Php 2k).

IMPORTANT: We are holding the Christmas get-together at Gilligans along Pasay Road. Parking at Park Square 1 (across Dusit Hotel). Dinner is Php 277 per person inclusive of a bottle of SanMig and 12% EVAT. See you!

The following said they’ll show up on Monday, the 17th for the Batch 85 Christmas Get-together 7 pm at the Red Box in Greenbelt 3:

Rico Atienza, Emil Avenido, King Avengoza, Erwin Bermillo, Gogo Canivel, Reagan de Guzman, Jung del Barrio, Mike Jornales, Apol Nepomuceno, Jeff Nocos, Ambet Panelo, Eric Panga, Junn Razal, Dong Sarmiento, Raul Verceles, and Chris Zaens.

King’s coming all the way from Legaspi. Ambet will attend to recover from jet lag. Eric will cut short his stay at the OSG party to spend time with batchmates. We’re eager to see – finally! – Doc Rico who will drive all the way from Laguna. We’re waiting for others to confirm. Send an sms to Emil [0917 856 2938] ASAP.

Meanwhile, Don Santy, Tito Simando, Sancho Tolentino and Ivan Zenarosa are leading the Batch 85 contingent to the Dec 30 Alumni Homecoming. They’re meeting on the 22nd to iron out details. Remember to bring your alakansiya and get a second one on Homecoming Day. The Finance Committee will make an accounting of the money collected. Let’s exceed ourselves once more!

Gogo Canivel is in Naga to lay to rest his lolo Jeremias Aban. He’s eager to touch base with his tennis and baseball teammates of old. He remains sturdy and strong and can still whip up an intense game on the court. Our condolences to Gogo and his family. Catch him while he’s there.

Stephen Molaer will be taking a break from his telecom work in Jakarta to spend Christmas in Bikol. Nothing tops the way Pinoys celebrate the season. And the contrast is stark when one lives in a Muslim state. Ambet Panelo will also be home. He’ll be in Manila from Sanfo on the first day of the simbang gabi. Let’s get-together, padi!

Eugene Parma makes a pitch for Australia for people planning to migrate. “Pag na-experience mo, saka mo masasabi na mahirap pala buhay dito sa Canada. Try Australia instead.” Eugene’s flying home for Christmas to join his folks in Bohol. No time to go to Bikol but he’d appreciate a call from batchmates.

Nuj Lazaro gave his thanksgiving dinner a Pinoy twist. Instead of the “dry and tasteless pabo,” he and his family feasted on sugpo, malasugi, tuna belly, sisig and, for breakfast, the Cebuano classic danggit. Oay Villegas tells us that Nuj will be in Pinas this month. Magparamdam ka naman, padi.

We’re not jubilarians this year; Batch 57 and Batch 82 are the ones turning gold and silver, respectively. They’re staging a hoopla on Dec 30, the traditional Ateneo Alumni Homecoming Day. We enjoin those who can to come and make the Batch 85 presence felt. It is a dress rehearsal of sorts for our own jubilee celebration three years down the road.

Here’s another reason for showing up: King Avengoza and Sancho Tolentino will be around to receive your alkansiya. Filled to the brim or not, turn it in and get a second one. Doing so would make our collection and participation rate zoom up the charts. When we meet for the Annual Membership Meeting on May 24 next year, we’ll collect your second can. Let’s see how much more we can add to our batch savings. Remember, it’s not so much the amount but the number of members participating.

Chill out on Dec 17, Christmas Reunion at The Red Box in Greenbelt 3. Party starts at 6 pm. Bring your coin bank and check book. Confirm with Emil Avenido [0917.856.2938 or eavenido@gmail.com] by Dec 14.

For the second time, Guy dela Cruz won as first kagawad of Sabang in Naga City. He ran as an independent candidate. “Salamat sa suporta kan batch ta na nakatao nin medicines last year sa ginibong medical mission.” Meanwhile, Pops Acabado garnered the third highest number of votes as barangay kagawad. That makes Esmie Acabado the First Gentleman of Bgy. Tarosanan in Camaligan?

Louie Chanco and Caloy dela Torre waded into the murky waters of barangay politics but were not as fortunate. They continue to look for other ways to be men for others.

Rynel, Martin Mejia’s eldest, was featured in Studio 23’s Sports Kids recently. The 13 year-old AdeNU freshman will be competing in the Philippine Olympic Festival swimming championship this weekend in Los Banos. “May kamandag na an kabuhan kesa sa ama,” quipped Germs German.

Thanks to Jam Sabido, we have three more guys who are now in the loop: Doods Caguco who works at the regional office of the Professional Regulation Commission in Legaspi, Ariel Collao who owns S-Kwela Graphic Arts in Naga, and Germs German who is based in Calabanga and is planning to work abroad. Glenn Imperial’s in the loop, too. After years of working overseas, he’s home and is connected with Mitsubishi. The Batch 85 database is now 74% complete.

November birthdays. If wrinkles be written upon our brows, let them not be written upon the heart. The spirit should not grow old. Birthday cheers, padi!

9 Rento Rentoria
11 Martin Mejia
16 Noel Millares
18 Marco Garcillanosa
19 Rey Bajamunde
20 Nell Parde
22 Meo Saballegue
27 Arnel Pimentel
29 Jusaner Mancita

We note several momentum’s-picking-up stories the past two weeks. Let’s keep at it all the way to 2010 and make Urulian a success story.

Record-breaking. Over Php70k (@ $1:Php 45) flowed into the batch account this month, the highest monthly deposit thus far. The contributions came from Dan Castillo (Php 15k), Andre Badiola ($300), Achilles Amados ($250), Mario Soriano ($240), Neil Villasenor ($240), Nuj Lazaro ($120) and Oay Villegas ($120). The guys overseas are making good their pledges. The guys in Pinas will follow suit.

Coin banks. Aveng Avengoza’s Finance Committee is calling on everyone to turn in their Urulian coin bank before the year ends. You may also deposit it directly to the batch account. One alkansiya can hold a few thousand pesos. Add to that a few more from your Christmas bonus and we might just surpass ourselves this year. You may get a second can from Sancho Tolentino and start filling it up in time for our annual meeting on May 31.

November birthdays. If wrinkles be written upon our brows, let them not be written upon the heart. The spirit should not grow old. Birthday cheers, padi!

9 Rento Rentoria
11 Martin Mejia
16 Noel Millares
18 Marco Garcillanosa
19 Rey Bajamunde
20 Nell Parde
22 Meo Saballegue
27 Arnel Pimentel
29 Jusaner Mancita

Louie Chanco to all: Enot sa gabos, salamat sa nagtatabang sa kandidatura ko sa samong lugar. An pagkandidato ko may katuyohan na makatabang sa mga residente kan Abella. Nahihiling ko kaya an pangangaipo na maribayan an mga dating kagawad kan samong lugar nin huli ta mayong pagbabago na haloy ng inaasahan kan mga residente kan Abella. Makusog an boot kong magkandidato para makatabang na mabago an kapabayaan sa samong lugar. Sana may mga ka-batch pa kita na handang magtabang sako para mariyalisar an kalinawan kan sakong pagtabang sa mga residente kan Abella. Salamat sa gabos lalo na kay Engr. Simando, Engr. Santy asin Roy Sambo. Salamat na marhay.

Oay Villegas to the guys overseas: Guys, we are getting close to the end of the year na naman. I would just like to remind everyone about our pledges. My wife is going home kaya si gustong magpadara, please send them to me now. It is easier for me if you can make the checks payable to Jonas Villegas. You can send them to me at 42 Creekwood Drive, Bordentown, NJ 08505. I will scan your checks, scan the bank deposit slip and will send out to full distribution, just like what I did with the checks of Rene C and Manuel T. Mabalos na marhay sa contributions nindo. Iyan lang po. Ingat.

Stay young, padi. The remaining birthday celebrants this month:
27 Don Santy
28 Junn Razal
30 Alex Lagarde

Louie Chanco is running for kagawad of Abella (Naga) in the forthcoming barangay elections. He is an independent candidate, the better to pursue his advocacies without worrying about having to toe a party line. Go, Louie, go!

Ambet Panelo and his family are spending Christmas this year in the Philippines. The plan is to fly in at the start of the simbang gabi and fly back to Sanfo right after the New Year. 2010 is the next time he will come home.

Neil Villasenor is taking his oath as an American citizen this Friday. This comes after more than a decade of working in the US as a physical therapist. He plans to apply for dual citizenship to enable him to own properties in his birthplace which is where he plans to retire.

Citibanker Andy Almeda will be in Manila next week. We’re getting together before he flies back to Singapore. Calling on the AdeMU guys and all those looking for a highly charged conversation.

Cool celebrants. He who is of calm and happy nature will hardly feel the nature of age, but to him who is of an opposite disposition, youth and age are equally a burden. Stay young,padi.
27 Don Santy
28 Junn Razal
30 Alex Lagarde

Notice the masthead on the homepage? It now has our core values, the better to remind us of what this mobilization is all about.

Have you gone over the Pabisto of Chilles Amados? Go to the Mga Oragon page to find out the latest about this Viriginia-based batchmate of ours. He promised to send a photo. While you’re on that page, scroll down to Andre Badiola’s Pabisto. Notice the new photo that captures Andre in his element.

Check out Esmie Acabado’s tribute to his father. Go to Urulay-ulay and click on the Tataramon tab.

You remember Eliot Clareza? Invited him to join the group last Saturday but he declined. He’s taking the ongoing bar exam. Best of luck, sir!

Birthday cheers to Nuj Lazaro on Sep 30!

SEPTEMBER SENSATIONS Resist the frigidity of old age. Keep the body, mind and heart in parallel vigor. Exercise, study, love. Birthday cheers, padi!

03 Esmie Acabado
04 Tep Molaer
07 Reggie Panga
10 Jam Sabido
14 James Castro
30 Nuj Lazaro

The batch database is now 71% complete (LG 18: 88%; LG 19: 71%; LG 20: 70%; LG 21: 55%). The latest to get in the loop are Dan Castillo and Bernie Enriquez. Dan, who is based in Abu Dhabi, got in touch through the website while Bernie, who is based in Naga, was reeled in by Bong M. Jingle Pingol is connected with a Makati gym. Mike J is tracking him down. Erwin B gave us the contact details of Elueterio Clareza. Will pursue him, too.

Eric Panga will be in Washington DC until mid-September. He’s eager to get together with batchmates. Oay, Jun, Andre, Mario: you’re one train ride away from DC. Please get in touch with Eric who is on roaming: 0919 243 6991.

Rico Abelardo, Batch 84 top honcho, continues to write poetry while lawyering for a real estate company. Will post an Abelardo opus when the right occasion comes. Let’s get together with the AdeMU boys of Batch 85, Rico.

AUGUST BIRTHDAY CELEBRANTS Nag-gugurang an panluwas, pero joven an panlaog.

10 Louie Chanco
12 Alex Naz
18 Dan Bombita
23 Arnold Deang
28 Mike Jornales
31 Rey Caresosa

Ding de Vera is the first to fill up the Urulian coin bank. It\'s a family affair; the de Vera kids are encouraged to put in their share. Only 5 and 10 peso coins. Ding\'s asking for a second alkansiya.

Francis Badiong and wife have a new baby boy. Got this piece of good news from James. Send us a pic of junior, padi.

Looking for heaven here on earth? Want to spend time with angels?

Join a one-day immersion in a village in Silang that cares for mentally handicapped and abandoned kids. Chosen Children Village is home to some 70 kids whose parents have given up on them. The kids would have ended up in the streets had it not been for a facility that provides the warmth and comfort of a middle-class home.

Time spent in CCV is well spent. Ask Mike Jornales whose daughter celebrated her birthday there recently. Ask Chris Zaens who has brought hordes of people to CCV. Ask Lita Fullerton, CCV\'s Founder, who will personally direct the immersion that we\'re organizing on Saturday, Aug 11 for Batch 85. Better yet, check out www.chosenchildrenvillage.com for a virtual experience of CCV.

Here\'s the gameplan: assembly at Shell Magallanes at 7 am, arrival and tour of the village at 8, assist in feeding the children and after-care at 10, lunch at CCV\'s Javier Nutrition Center at 12, learning session on caring for children with special needs at 1 pm, interaction with the children at 2:30, departure at 4 pm.

Each participant has to shell out Php 225. Bring your wife and make this a one-of-a-kind date. This is a chance for Batch 85 families to get acquainted. CCV can only accommodate upto 25 participants. You may also want to bring some items in their wish list of in-kind donations (go to their website).

If interested, please confirm with Chris Zaens by 12 noon of August 3. Please advise if you\'re bringing a vehicle. Mus na!

“Muntik na akong mapahibi. Buti na lang, nagpondo na su background music so my right brain was less receptive,” writes Jiggs Gegajo relating his experience reading the ‘Utang na boot’ page of this website. Such disclosure is a rare display of the soft side of Juanito Gegajo, astig English teacher whose name is often mentioned in the ongoing batch survey of most influential mentors.

If prevalent, misogynist, ennui figure in your speech and writing, you are one of those fortunate to have undergone his Word Power Made Easy drills. Albert Belaro says that those exercises “expand[ed] [his] vocabulary exponentially.” Emil Avenido uses etymology when stumped by an unfamiliar word. Maxi Gonzales says he speaks better English than his American colleagues. The Gegajo pearls were not cast before swine after all. The survey bears this out.

Jiggs congratulates the batch for what it has accomplished and looks forward to joining Batch 85 get-togethers. He is now connected with the International Academy of Management and Economics (IAME) and is based in Santa Rosa. We’ll ask him to write a message, in the Queen’s language, of course. Thanks, Mike, for reeling him in.

Naglarga kan Biyernes paduman sa Tate si Noli Dihiansan. Swinerte man na ma-empleyo kan sarong luxury liner na nangangaipo nin mga dealer sa saindang casino. Kan mabaretaan ni Noli an opening, nagbakasakali man. Nailing kan mga bosing na mapagkakatiwalaan kaya kinontrata nin walong bulan, renewable pagkatapos.

Yaon sa Naga nagbabakasyon kan inapudan na malarga na daa an grupo sa sunod na semana. Dali-dali man na nagpa-Manila para asekasohon an saiyang resignation sa PAGCOR kun saen siya nagtrabaho nin mga sampulong taon. Ngonyan, nagpapasiram na sa Manhattan. Sa Nobiembre, sa New Orleans na nakabase.

Nag-promesa na mauli sa 2010. Nagkometer na babalatuhan daa an batch kan mga ginanahan niya sa casino. Dai malingaw tabi sa mga tataramon na binutasan.

Sa gabos na ama / pati na man duman sa pasiring na sa pagiging ama / nagmamauot maging ama / ama kan bako man nindang aki / ama kan aki kan kataid / asin sa mga ama-amaan duman sa dapat bako na man aki (sa halipot na tatataramon sugar daddy: padagos na maging marhay na ama sa ano man na circumstancia. Hirilingan kita sa 2010!

"If each one saves P15 pesos a day until 2010, 2.5@25 would be a reality," Chris Zaens said as he addressed members of Batch 85. Specially-designed coin banks were distributed during the membership meeting last May 26 to encourage everyone to save so "we can go back and give back in 2010."

When your coin bank gets filled up, turn it over to Sancho. The Tolentino residence at Magsaysay Avenue in Naga serves as the batch\'s official headquarters. The can will be pried open and the money will be counted in your presence and that of another batch member. You will get a receipt, and the money will be deposited to the Batch 85 account. The coin bank is a concrete way of living out our core values of pagkaburunyog, pagdamay, paghingoa. Get your alkansiya from Sancho Tolentino or Chris Zaens. [by Emil Avenido]

In an election marked by transparency and efficiency, Batch 85 named a new set of trustees during its Annual Members Meeting yesterday. Asked to sit in the Board for one year are the following: Emmanuel Avengoza, Louie Chanco, Don Santy, Sancho Tolentino and Ivan Zenarosa who will man the seats allotted for members based in Bikol; Emil Avenido, James Castro, Mike Jornales and Chris Zaens who will occupy the seats meant for members outside Bikol; Neil Villasenor and Jonas Villegas to represent the members overseas.

In their first Board meeting right after the election, the trustees formed the following committees: Finance to be chaired by Avengoza, Internal Affairs with Avenido as Chair, Outreach headed by Zenarosa and Compliance which Jornales will spearhead. The remaining seven trustees were assigned to the different committees. Other members are enjoined to volunteer for any of the Board Committees. The trustees will now choose from among themselves the officers who will lead the batch this year. Abangan.

The Electoral Tribunal received the following nominations for the May 26 election of trustees to the Batch 85, Inc. Board: For five “Bikol” seats: Emmanuel Avengoza, Ric Jason Bagasbas, Rey Caresosa, Louie Chanco, Ponciano Marquez, Martin Mejia, Dolandz Olivan, Nelson Paz, Jam Sabido, Roy Sambo, Don Santy, Tito Simando, Sancho Tolentino, Gil Tria, and Ivan Zenarosa For four “Outside Bikol” seats: Emil Avenido, James Castro, Reagan de Guzman, Mike Jornales, and Chris Zaens. For two “Overseas” seats: Neil Villasenor and Oay Villegas.

Come on Saturday and cast your vote. If you cannot be physically around, you may vote by proxy, by text or email. Voting by proxy entails appointing a batch mate by Friday to cast the vote in your behalf. Inform any of the members of the Electoral Board who your proxy will be. If you vote through sms text, please identify yourself as your cell phone number may not appear in the phone directories of the Electoral Board. Your text message will serve as your vote. Text your vote to at least two members of the Electoral Tribunal who will keep a record of the messages and count these on Saturday. Email votes will be printed out.

What’s in store for everyone on the 26th, 2pm at the Richie Fernando Hall, Ateneo Bagumbayan campus?

Some fun games to get us to work as a team. The Batch 85, Inc. annual report and meeting followed by the election of Trustees for 2007. We’ll distribute Urulian 2010 coin banks. We’ll have new batch shirts available. Those who come by 2 pm can buy a shirt at a discount. The guys overseas will call to greet as they hold a simultaneous members meeting in San Francisco. Dinner at the Ilaw sa Dahon. Prepare to pitch in for the food. Fifty-two came in 2005, 53 last year. Will we set a new record this year?

Send your Board nominations to any of the following by Saturday, May 19: Emil Avenido (eavenido@gmail.com / 0917 8562938) Ding de Vera (fmv_68@yahoo.com / 0920 4362970) Jam Sabido (mannysabidojr@yahoo.com / 0920 3831471) You are expected to nominate someone from your homebase: Bikol, outside Bikol or Overseas. Counting on your involvement, padi.

Louie Chanco broke the sad news of Bob Lopez\'s demise. Interment was held yesterday at the Pili Cemetery. Last we heard, Mr. Lopez was working at the Manila City Hall. Mike Jornales, who bumped into him in one of his legal sorties, suggested that we pay him a visit to get him on board Urulian 2010. Moreover, we wanted to get the contact details of Romeo, his son, a batch mate whose whereabouts are still unknown. Didn\'t feel a sense of urgency to get this done. And now, he\'s gone.

We have fond memories of Mr. Lopez. We marveled at those definitions of Economic terms elegantly written on the board; they facilitated note-taking and studying. Upon his instigation, we attempted during our Senior year to put up a poultry farm. Looking back, that seemed an effective way to temper raging hormones and channel them to entrepreneurial pursuits. Before the Bob Lopez look was equated to terrorism, our pre-911 generation associated that look to a gentle, unassuming and approachable authority figure. We remember and are grateful.

Si Fernando "Ding" de Vera, miyembro kang La Liga Atenista, igwa nin bagong titulo sa pangaran niya. Nag-adal nin Law sa Arellano, saro si Ding sa 1,893 (out of 6,187) na nakapasar sa bar exam. Ngonyan, pito na ang abogado kang Batch 85: Reagan de Guzman, Mike Jornales, Eric Panga, Elay Posugac, Carlos Tible, Elias Torallo. Pero si Ding lang ang pwedeng mag-gamit kang titulong "Engr." asin "Atty." Maorag talaga!

May Allan live in our hearts!

Dear Alumni/ae and Friends,

The ways of the Lord are inscrutable.  We are infinitely saddened by the  passing away of  Dr. Allan Morano Ruizo , our dear friend, colleague, teacher and fellow alumnus.   Allan died of fatal heart attack on October 23, 2006 while he was accompanying his students who were participants in the "Orgulyo kan Bicol" and "Philippine Business Conference" in Manila.  He was a beloved teacher of entrepreneurial management.  He was director of our Small and Medium Enterprise Development Foundation.  His dedication to his work  cannot be questioned as he spent his last days doing what he loved the most, teaching.  He will be missed by many whose lives he has touched.  He will be missed and forever be remembered by his students as he taught with enthusiasm, humor and most of all,  sincerity.  He will be missed by Ateneo de Naga , his high school (batch '79) and college (batch '85) alma matter to which he also gave seven years of dedicated service as professor.  But most of all, he will be missed by his family, his beloved wife Ma. Luz, his seven children, Joshua (17), Jerico (15) , Francis Victor (13), Joseph (11), Inna Francia (8), Alphonsus (7), and Niña (4).

The death of Allan in the line of duty, unfortunately, is the death of a family breadwinner  also in the line of duty.  Now, more than ever, let us remember Allan by showing our support to his family in their moment of sadness and grief.    In behalf of the Ateneo de Naga University, I beg  all of you to contribute in whatever way you can to help Allan's family.  This will more or less help with the education of their seven children and the capitalization of their small enterprise.

Please be generous.  Donors and their contributions will be listed in the AdNU webpage under the link http://www.adnu.edu.ph/ruizo/ .

Wake at the Ateneo de Naga University Church of Christ the King, beginning Thursday, October 26, 2006.  Funeral Mass and Burial is on Saturday, October 28, 2006.

As one community, let us also offer our prayers and mass intentions for the repose of the soul of Allan and for the strength of his family members that they may meet this challenge in their life.

Diyos Mabalos na marhay! May Allan live in our hearts!

Fr. Joel E. Tabora, S.J.
President
Ateneo de Naga Univeristy

Punan ta na

Makati, 7 Jan 2005 – Thanks for allowing us to have access to you.  Recently, some of our classmates got to talk about the 2010 Ateneo homecoming which our batch is expected to sponsor. We will be jubilarians by then, 25 years after Ateneo sent us off to conquer the world.

The thinking is to start preparing for that event NOW so that come 2010, we can indeed bequeath an enduring legacy to the Ateneo. The not-so-pure motive, though, is to outdo the jubilarians of 2004 who organized a blast of a homecoming. They raised Php 3M of which a sizable portion was given to the school.

To start the ball rolling, we would like to request the following from you:

Together, let’s embark on this adventure that is Urulian 2010!

Likay pirmi, padi.

Chris Zaens
For Ateneo HS Batch 85