Meeting Report and Minutes:
Joint Meet -Southern ( SoCal) & Northern ( NoCal ) California

July 1, 2006, Saturday 12 noon at the Guiao’s residence in Santa Clarita:

SoCal

Setting:
Our hosts, Tony and Bernadette were well prepared to welcome us all. As you enter their immaculate home, you can see the outside trees and greeneries from their sunlit glass windows beckoning to you. The living room was well-lighted with the natural sunlight emanating from the windows. Outside, you see tables covered with linen cloth and multiple chairs under the two blue set-up tents to shield us from the scorching sun. It was 92 degrees Fahrenheit. There were blooming crimson, pink roses, lilies-of- the- Nile in their elegant blue clusters, palm trees in their greenest grandeur and other bushes; the manicured lawn blanketed with verdant grass. The white painted wooden pergola with natural stone slab stage was the focal point outside. What a relaxing setting to behold and feast the eyes!

Gathering and Meal: An advance party ( Edith, Aida, Frank, Ressie, Lolit) from NoCal arrived and stayed there for the night. By 12:30 PM, guests began to arrive. What happens when 33 people get together in one roof? It was a double explosion of excitement! There were warm hugs, animated conversations, rowdy laughter, stories or history recap to tell. For those we have not seen for 35 years, the anticipation ended in this gathering. Batch mates from SoCal traveled by car for 1-3 hours; from NoCal about 6 hours or so. We welcomed Luz Oviedo-Robinson who flew one way from Las Vegas, Nevada to be with us. Dacal a salamat to Arnel Nunag who circled in his car a few times around Burbank airport to wait and pick us (Luz and Remy) up on that day. Needless to say, all of us took the effort and sacrifice to leave our loved ones behind, cancel appointments so as to bond together in this memorable event.

As usual, a lot of poses –group and individual picture-taking in several cameras took part. Our roving photographers were Rey Ramos and Carlos Sicat. Rey who brought his mini HP camera printer was a busy working bee. You sound out your request and voila! you get instant picture to take home. “What a service; many thanks, Rey!” Carlos was engrossed on the lap top, downloading, transferring files and training.

Prayer and blessing of the food was said by Gloria. The American meal was carefully planned by the hosts-BBQ chicken and pork ribs, tender cut beef, mashed potatoes, salad greens, baked salmon, baked strudels with herbs, cupcakes and assorted pastries, fruits of the season, and Bernadette’s smooth yummy lychees-almond icy cold drink.

Orlando and Rita Ochoa made it later the day to join the fun. There were 26 participants from Socal, 8 from Nocal and 1 out of state, total of 35. There were 28 batchmates and 7 spouses in attendance.

Assembly, MINUTES OF THE MEETING:

Meeting commenced at 3:45 PM and presided by Edith-Balanza.

1) Contributions for the meal and donations for our departed batchmate, Evansuida Cruz-Ocampo ( died June 6), sister of Macrina Cruz, were discussed. Collections of $ 20.00 was agreed upon; $ 15.00 each for the meal and $ 5.00 ( no limit) for the donation. The annual membership dues will be decided by the elected Officers; from this fund and other fund raising, we will have a fixed standard amount set for any death contribution in the future.

2) Nomination and Election of Officers: this did not take long since some candidates were unanimously elected. An absentee batch mate was nominated but vetoed. Geographical location of batch mates as to distance and proximity were considered for effectiveness. The following are the new 8 elected officers and 2 advisers for a term of 2 calendar years, effective July 1, 2006 – HAUBATCH’71, US chapter:

NB. the nomination and election of an Auditor was overlooked.

3) Grand Reunion: Venues given are: a) Las Vegas b) San Diego c) cruise ship
Las Vegas was the popular demand. The date agreed upon was April 21-22, 2007.
This date is after Easter and the inevitable IRS tax filing; it is expected, too that it will be relatively cooler as compared to May-June time frame when the hot weather starts. Attire will be formal but not necessarily black and white.

4) US arrival of Art Layug this coming July 15 to August 8 was brought out and the LA batch department is ready to receive him after his audit business. The possibility of bringing him here in the Bay area will be coordinated by the NoCal team.

5) Next meeting set is at the La Naval fiesta on October 14 in Gardena, CA. This date always falls on the second Saturday of October. We encourage all to make plans and save this date.

6) Collection this day was $ 640.00. Adding $ 40.00 from Tony/Bernadette and $ 75.00 from Edith, amounted to a total of $ 755.00. Meal expenses amounting to $ 450.00 was reimbursed to the hosts. From the balance of $ 305.00, it was determined that a US chapter bank account with an initial deposit of $ 100.00 be opened. The remainder of $ 205.00 will be given to our departed batchmate, Evansuida.

7) The meeting ended past 6 PM.

Party Time, Finale and Comments:
After the meeting, one couple left for another engagement. Tony tuned in his karaoke; Dan and Rey belted out their Beegees songs and the ladies chimed in with their familiar songs. Dol started the popular line dancing with her striking shoulder moves when Tony did his solo. There was more dancing, karaoke singing, photo shooting outside (thanks, Elsa), joke telling-laughing, eating. By 9 PM, some batch mates bid goodbye; later Luz Robinson had to leave with part of the NoCal who were committed to drive her to Ontario; majority remained to enjoy and feast the rest of the night. At the pergola stage, we had Loreta patiently teaching us the todo-todo line dance, followed by Babs on her recollected make-shift mambo; CD music provided by Perri. “Thanks a lot, Lot! we had our share of exercise and ‘pawas’ after following your repetitive moves.”

The hosts were busy entertaining, that their food intake was quite neglected. You see “love in action” on this couple accommodating all of us! “Dacal a dacal a salamat, Tony and Bernadette!" We raise our wine/champagne glasses for a toast on your coming 30th wedding anniversary this July 31st. Thank you for sharing with us your wedding pictures and your children’s achievements. Your leadership and active involvement in your community is praiseworthy. May you continue to be an inspiration to others and a blessing to those you meet and embrace with sincere love and friendship.”

To all the spouses who came, we Thank YOU mostly for your continued support. You are an integral part of our group.

Addendum:
The six NoCals were guests of the hosts for the night. We were able to view Carlos’ DVD production of pictures taken from the last 2 meetings. “That was neat and professionally done, Carlos.” We all left the next day, Sunday PM.

Epilogue:
The essay type reports of the gatherings were completed to show others that we were not only there to sit down for the meeting but to have fun, to bond, to interact and get to know each other. Remember, we were from different HS sections and we never engaged in any personal interaction with each other until now that we are part of a larger group. To know a person is to accept that person in all his/her abilities, strengths and faults. We cannot accomplish our goals if we do not have a friendly relationship established among us first. Most of us come from different cities and to coordinate and be physically present in the meetings do take considerable effort and travel time. To others, it maybe involvement, but to us, it is commitment. Please come and join us in our golden years!