Celso's Recollections
Merly's spin also

The 1973 class reunion at Vancouver and Victoria, British Columbia

Thursday, 20 July 2000 (as told by Celso)

 After long months of planning and preparation the reunion of class 73 was held last July 20th till 23rd, 2000 in Vancouver, British Columbia.  Among the participants were Anton and Ofel (Valdeavilla) Canela, Ellen (Argosino) Manio and family (husband Jun, kids Sarah and Joey, and Jun's brother and his wife), Art and Geny (Panaligan) Que and AJ, Ricky Gloria, Marc "Tito" Sangalang, Nelson, Bernadette and Lenny Romasanta, Celso, Carol and kids Alexy, Yoya and Mick; and Merly.

At first sight... (Thursday)

It was already 5:30 in the afternoon when Pareng Nelson and I left the skytrain station. We were both excited as we boarded the bus going to Best Western hotel were Merly would be waiting as planned.  Merly together with Ricky and Ellen greeted us. They were all yelling and laughing.  Suddenly I remembered Pareng Turo, we were given "halik sabay hug" kasi. (Ask Pareng Turo about this for more information.)  After a while Art and Geny came. There were lots of stories told about the past. Including how Art Que was infatuated to Geny ... secret!  Merly thought of buying rice so that we can have our dinner.  Art Que came up with a brighter idea.  We didn't realize that he already had surveyed the place for a liquor store. He grabbed a couple of cases and we decided to get back to the hotel, while Merly was still thinking about the rice. Again just like the old days, we shared jokes and stories while enjoying the Buds.  We talked about Anton and Ofel.  It was already getting late and we were getting more excited about them. Then they came.  The barkada were all complete except for "Tito", and the rice.  

Friday, 21 July -- the Victoria Trip

A good time was had by all (narrated by Merly)

Part of the fun and excitement of this reunion is being together after 27 years given who and where we are right now. It was interesting to see how things will play out. Seeing things on a different level, different perspectives in totally new surroundings with old classmates and friends.

Our morning started with a hotel breakfast. Chit chat and jokes begin again.  Hindi mapigilan. We've more or less calmed down as we have to relearn a lesson to be polite with other people or maybe it was just plain lack of sleep. What happened? At about 2:00 A.M., the hotel reservation clerk on duty knocked at Pareng Ricky's room to remind us to keep it down! Big ooops. Dyahi talaga. From that time on, bulong-bulungan na lang ang kuwentuhan but there was still sporadic laughter somehow. Anyways, we were with other folks in the mini-tour bus, senior citizens who were pretty amused with us. Ifny, our tourist guide started narrating Victoria's history, geography, etc. Then the bus actually drove into the bottom deck of the unexpectedly huge ferry boat then got off and headed up to 3 or more floors. Our typical Filipino mentality eyed for seats that could accommodate all of us together to get the kuwentuhan and biruan going again. Unfortunately, we can't find one. There were tourists and tourists everywhere. We ended up at one straight line and the Kodak moment resumes. We decided to go to the observation deck outside and wow, the view was spectacular. What a sight to behold! What a unique experience, I thought. We were enjoying the very green panoramic scenery with classmates and friends whom you have never seen and conversed with or talked to for 27 years! The moment was so special. But no matter where we were, we were always drawn to each other to catch up for some more classmates' stories and updates. The little things to talk about never seem to end. Kodakan here and there.

We also couldn't help but imagine a summer vacation house among the mountains.   Going back to reality, we reached Victoria's Nanaimo Port and our tour bus drove off from the ferry. Next destination was driving around the exclusive residential areas with magnificent views. We made a quick view stop along the coast overlooking Pacific Ocean where we had that "elbow to elbow" picture. Please make sure you check that photo out. One of our best shots. Kodak here and there. Tunay na magandang tanawin. Then we were dropped off at downtown Victoria. Had lunch together again, shared some more high school stuff and planned a possible 2nd North American mini-reunion in the near future. At that moment, I could still hardly believe that one day I would be fancy meeting you guys. Sana magising na ako.

Then we strolled around the downtown area - the famous Empress Hotel, museum and Parliament Building, walked and shopped around, and sampled some free chockies. Basta libre. Pose for some more shots. Somehow the walking is getting to us. Then went to the world renowned Butchart Gardens. Everyone agreed that the sunken garden is superb. "Bakit hindi ganito ang garden ko," everyone exclaimed. Pose here and there. Still we managed to chit chat and noticeable umpok umpok na naman kami. Bungisngisan, tawanan, etc.

It was late afternoon, some of us were darn down already whether because of staying up so late the night before or the long walks or just plain we're 40 something. We couldn't seem to have enough photos with different sorts  of backgrounds. Then we boarded back to the ferry and had dinner there while the talk goes on and on. Announcements were made re boarding off and while some of them were busy with other stuff, I managed to sneak in for a snapshot of something I wouldn't want to miss  - my favourite - the sunset on the Pacific Ocean. Hindi ko ito palalampasin, I thought. More clicks. Super duper I thought. Galing galing talaga. Then hmm I noticed. I seem to be the only one left in the upper observation deck area. I better go back where I left Pareng Ricky, Anton, and Ofel. Great, they seemed to just finish up in time their stuff and still enjoying the nice camaraderie. Hmm only us and the crew were left in the area so we really have to hurry. Lakad na mabilis. TNT. Takbo ng takbo. Hingal. We headed back towards the bottom deck where all the tour buses, cars, etc., were parked and waiting. We reached the first floor and Anton snapped those fingers on the open button on our right side. The door opened but unfortunately there was no tourist bus in sight. In fact, the parking lot was almost empty! Ooops we pressed the wrong door. "Sa left side tayo nag park di ba?" while he is pressing the button on the left side. Slowly it opened and there is our tour bus almost approaching the deck. Takbong matulin ulit kami. We really have to while squeezing ourselves through those cars. Hingal talaga. Luckily it was summer season there was a long line and we made it just in time!  He ... he ... he ...

Then we headed back to our hotel tired and at that moment who knows how long we could last to share a few more high school reminiscences. Instead of bar hopping or discoing, we decided to stay, relax, and wait for Titomarc aka Tatee. Only a couple made it to Pareng Ricky's room. The rest are plastered to bed. Tsk, tsk, tsk, matanda na talaga. Biro lang of course. My mind and my heart are set to go for another marathon night of sharing high school memories but the oldie physique is giving up. Tried to cure myself to stay awake but I can't last any longer. Goodnight.

The next morning at 7:00 o'clock the phone rings. It was Pareng Ricky excitedly delivering the news: "nandito na si Tatee! dumating ng alas 3:00 ng umaga." It was pouring. But that won't stop us from picnicking in the rain as long as we were together and as long as there are kuwentos to be told and shared. And yes the rain didn't matter. We took the skytrain as previously planned and we were picked up by Celso and Nelson at the station. Our skytrain experience proved that it was truly a never dull moment with classmates and batchmates. There were loud laughter and conversations for some reason. Kahit saan mayroong nangyayaring kasayahan. May kasama pang hiyawan. With all the rain and uncooperative moments we were always ready to turn them into laughter and fun. As previously thought, we will make the most of this event. What a great attitude.  Anyways, legend says Pareng Ricky knows all the details as he was the leading actor in this comedy drama story while we were on board the skytrain.

The Picnic.... (Saturday; concluded by Celso)

We drove the barkada from the skytrain station to the picnic site near Fraser River. It was drizzling. Tate was already with us and he enjoyed broiling the fish and barbecuing the meat at the park. We sang, we laughed and took pictures.  Pareng Nelson and I watched Pareng Anton while fishing but he was not so lucky to catch any fish.  Ellen's husband and brother were already shivering so we went out to buy a blanket in the nearby mall.  Then we went back to join the group to eat our lunch.  It was good that we have enough rice for Merly.  

The cold was really getting to the bones so we decided to move to Pareng Nelson's condominium, where Mareng Badette and Lenny had the dinner ready.  More jokes and stories were shared on the table. After the dinner we proceeded to my place. Ricky, who is a talented singer gave his best with "Di na Natuto". (I remembered that was the song of babies who are no longer breast fed, uhhhmmm!!)  Ellen and her husband shared their golden voices too.  I displayed a bit of my crying lead guitar together with Alexy (my son) on drums (as usual Santana), while Merly and Tate danced.  Pareng Nelson delivered all his punch lines sending everybody holding their tummies to the floor.  What a night!! We gave Sister Ligaya a shout at Africa to tell that the reunion was a big hit.  How we wished she was here. Then it was over. Something touched me.  Suddenly I lost my strength to walk with them to the train station.  I did not have the courage to watch them leave and say " see you next time". I was so lonely.  The reunion that Merly planned was a big success.  I think we owe her a pat on the shoulder. You made it!! And to the rest of the barkada, how about another round?