Vancouver With Love

MAREVA Welcomes Newcomers

The much awaited  summer  in Vancouver  has finally  arrived . And so  has  the Annual Potluck  Luncheon  Picnic  at the  park  , of  the  Mangaldan  Residents  of Vancouver  ( MAREVA ) group . It was held  once again  at  the  popular Jericho Beach  Park .

There  was a  good turn  out  of Mangaldanians  on Saturday , July 26th  . The  day  turned  out   to  be  a  very  comfortable  weather  , not  too hot  and  not  too cold  . Other  groups   of  picnickers  abound  within  the grounds  but  thanks  to our   early  birds , Jhun  Jimenez , Venus  J. Dioquino , Lito  Espinosa  and Tom Barrozo  , our  group  was able to  secure  the  best  area  for  the picnic . They were  followed  by  Rusty , our  incumbent Chairperson  and  hubby , Briggy  Miraflor .

As soon  as  the tables  were  set  , Rusty  led the  prayer  before  meals  . Three  tables   were   laden  with  different  "putahes " with  the "lechon " dominating  the middle table . The   cooking  expertise  of  our  kabaleyans  were  again  "showcased "  in this  annual  picnic . Seafoods , meat  , vegetables  ( pacbets  in  Mangaldan  style , Tagalog style  and mix style ) pancit (  bihon guisado  and palabok )  were  in abundance . Desserts  of  all  kinds  were  all  laid  out  in a special  table .  Boiled  corn  on  the  cob prepared  by  Boni and  Josie  Flores  was  a  "hot " item  on the table . Naopot  ya  tampol ! !  Masamet  met  ya  tua  ( after Mona  shared  me  a  third  of  her  mais ) ...Unfortunately , Boni  and  Josie  did  not have  a "humongous  "  ( dongdong  )  pot  that  can  accomodate   a  hundred   corn  on the cob ... 

Rusty  leading the prayer before  meal  ....   

After  everybody  enjoyed  the  meal , Rusty   had  a short  remark  followed  by  the  presentation  and welcoming  of  the  newest  additions  to our  group . Nathalie  Aquino  Solis , have resided  in Vancouver  for  the  past  12  years  but  she has not  been  in  contact  with  Mangaldanians  until  lately  when  she met  Redentor  Idia , who was presented  last  year . Cora  Imbat Naicha  have  lived  in  Vancouver  since 1991  but  she never  joined  our group  until this year . Sol  Villena  , Daisy  Tibig  Capito , who arrived  from the Philippines  last  April ,  Evelyn  de  Vera  Vasquez  ( from Portland ), Remy  de Vera  Coburn , Manny and Rebecca  Mejia , present  resident in Richmond  but  a long time resident  of  Edmonton , Alberta , were  also  presented .  The  youngest  newcomers  to  MAREVA  are  three - year  old   Natalie  de Guzman  and  almost  one  year  old  Pablo  de  Guzman , grandchildren  of   Djoma   ( of  Aliguas Mangaldan ) and  Maridel  de Guzman  . Former Mangaldan  resident Lito  and  Teresita  ( Calicdan )  Cabrera  joined  the picnic  . They  stay  with  their  son  and  family  in  Surrey  .  The Washington -based Mangaldanians  who  came  were  Paz ( de Guzman )  and  husband  Felipe  Catabay  and  his  sister  Fely  Catabay  Soriano  .

Once  again , we  acknowledge  and  thank  our  kabaleyans  for their  presence  and their  cooperation  and  generosity  in  bringing  all  those  sumptuous  food . Our  aim  of a  continuing  camaraderie  among  "mangkakabaleyans  "  have  been  achieved  again . For  all  Mangaldanians  residing  in  Greater  Vancouver  area  , you  are  all  welcome  to  join  us  ...

                                                                                          The picnic  site at  Jericho  Beach against the  North Shore  Mountains .   

 

      Voila !  The lechon  was  chopped  into  bite-size  portions  so  the  crispy  part  could  be  shared  by  everybody ...

      Ready  to dig-in  are  Fely  Catabay  Soriano , Felipe  Catabay , Cecille de Vera  Townsend , Angie de Vera  Encarnacion  and Michael  Townsend ..

   Teresita  Calicdan Cabrera , Paz de Guzman Catabay , Carding  Pagal and Felipe  Catabay  join  the "pila "  for  the   outdoor " smorgasbord  "   

   Nathalie  A. Solis , Joel Espinosa , Redentor Idia , Pepe Tan , Tom Barrozo , Philip Fabia , Sol Villena  and  Lito  Espinosa  had  a  great  time  sharing  their  stories and jokes ..

     Gina  Carvajal Perez , Connie Perez , Bennie  Perez, Carol  Carvajal  Cox , Peter  Cox  and Charmagne Junio Gordon  share  a relaxing  lunch with  young  ones Matthew C. Perez , Mark C. Perez , Clarissa  C. Cox and Lelina C. Cox  , under  the shade  of  an  old-growth  pine  tree ..

     Estrella  Mejia Espinosa  share  the shady  tree with  the  Martinez   sisters , Jing M . Ho   and  Marla , Yvonne ( Jing's   young  daughter ) and  Rochelle Limon  and her boyfriend  Carlo .

   At the  dessert  table  are  Mark C. Perez , Michael Townsend  and the  "guardian  of the "palamis" station , Briggy Miraflor ...

On time  to join the group  are  Aida  Bautista de la Rosa , Judith  Bautista  de Vera , Reyna  Pagal , Angie de Vera Encarnacion  and Judith's daughters  , Bernadette and Jennica  de Vera .

Lito  and  Estrella  Espinosa , Aida  de la Rosa , Dolores  Mejia , Marie A . Junio , Leny  Cancino  Guiang  , Mrs. Ester P. Mejia  share  some  old  fashioned   "tongtongan "..

Mrs. Maria  de Vera  , our  oldest  Mangaldanian  in Vancouver  , made  it to the picnic  with  daughter  Josie  and  husband  Bonnie Flores , Evelyn  de Vera  Vasquez , Remy  de Vera Coburn , her sister and brother .

Jonathan , Maria  and Jesko  Guiang  are joined  by  Joshua  Cancino while  Clarissa  tried  to run  for  cover  but  unfortunately  , the "paparazzi " caught her .....

Operation " Apostolic " activity , being  rendered   by Djoma  and Maridel  de Guzman  to their  grandson , Pablo ..Lucky  kid ! ! !   

The young  ones'  corner , Ashley  Cadang , Sol , Villena  , Red Idia , Marla  Martinez , Renz  Cadang ,Yvonne  Ho  and Jing Martinez Ho ..

Rusty  C. Miraflor , Marie  A. Junio , Paz  de Guzman Catabay  and  Venus  J. Dioquino are long  time  MAREVA  members  trying  to catch  up  on  "ampetapetang " ya  balitas .

Suddenly , the   four were  joined  by more kabaleyans , Reyna  C. Pagal , Mona L. Tan , Fely C. Soriano , Marie Soriano Palmani , Teresita C. Cabrera , Lito  Cabrera , Mrs.  Ester P. Mejia , Natalie  A. Solis , Dolores Mejia ,  Marissa L. Cadang , Tony Cadang , Sol  Villena , Estrella M. Espinosa  and Philip  Fabia . But where is Rusty ?

  Joshua  and  Michele Tan  are  joined  by friends .

         Bennie Perez, Manuel Mejia , Rebecca de Vera  Mejia , Cora Imbat Naicha , Tom Barrozo , and  Lito Espinosa  took time off  for  a photo session .

      Mangaldan Central  School  former  classmates Mona L. Tan , Rusty C. Miraflor  and  Evelyn  D. Vasquez  reconnected  at the  picnic grounds ..

  Former  MNHS   batchmates , Marissa  L. Cadang , Leny  Cancino Guiang  and Marie Soriano Palmani .

    A  newcomer  to  Mareva  , Nathalie  A. Solis , was quite excited and elated  to meet so  many  "kabaleyans " during the picnic ..

     The Cadang family  , Jun , Marissa  and  son  Renz  , were  formally  presented  to the  group . MAREVA  secretary   Leny  C . Guiang  and treasurer Angie   D.  Encarnacion  were at the background  making sure no  name  will be  missed  .

Sol  Villena  introduced  herself  to the group ..She  was  originally  from  David , Mangaldan ..

 

Evelyn  is a Mangaldanian  who is based in Portland , Oregon ..

Cora  Imbat  Naicha  has been  in Vancouver  since 1991  but  is being  formally  presented  to Mangaldanians  this  year . She  was  originally from  Navaluan  and  Embarcadero , Mangaldan ..

Remy  de Vera  Coburn is a Mangaldanian , daughter  of  Ermie de Vera and granddaughter  of Mrs. Maria  de Vera , a  grand  matriach   from  Mangaldan .

   Manny  and  Rebecca  ( de Vera )  have  been around  in  Canada   ( Edmonton ) for  quite  sometime  but  they  decided to  move  to Richmond  , B .C . last  Christmas ..

  Youngest  Mangaldanians  presented  were  Natalie de Guzman  and   Pablo   de Guzman  being  officially  welcomed  through  Grandpa  Djoma  and Grandma Maridel  de Guzman ..

To all  new  Mangaldanians  officially  presented  , WELCOME  To  MAREVA . To all   who attended the picnic  and  brought  those goodies , THANK  YOU  VERY  MUCH . We hope to see  you  all  in  all  our future  activities ....

TWO CLASS '59ers SAY I DO'S

It  was not  love at  first sight !  In  fact  , after  graduating  from  MNHS  in  1959 , Dominica ( or  Juliet ) Quinto   and Silverio Jr.  ( or Jun ) de Guzman  went their  separate  ways  to  build their own lives  . It was not  until  after  48 years later that   they  met  again  during  a class  reunion .  It  was  on  their  second   class   get together  that  some  sparks  flew . Both were  single then .

A year  after  their  first  class  reunion  , immediate  family  members  and  very  close  friends , mostly  from MNHS ' Class  '59  ,  of  Jun and Juliet  gathered   to witness  their  marriage  at the St.  Christopher 's Church  in San Jose , California  , followed  by   a  reception -dinner  at  the exclusive Willow  Heights Mansion  at Morgan  Hill .

The bridal  entourage consisted mostly  of  the  bride's  family  ( she has four sons )  and the groom's  family . The principal  sponsors  were their former  classmates  except for Jun's sister Mary and Juliet's sister Meda .

On May  23rd , after  the  wedding dress rehearsal , a pre-wedding  dinner  took place  at  Juliet's house in San Jose . Seated  are ( l-r ) Cecile Ferrer  Mejia , Ross Mejia , Lito  Quinto , Irene   Batilaran and Rebecca A. Domagas . Standing are ( l-r ) Mila A. Madamba , Mamerto Frianeza , Graciano  Tandingan , Marie Aquino  Junio , Rod  Aquino and his daughter  and Juliet  and  Jun .

On the day of the wedding  : Marching  are the two grandsons of Juliet , Kevin and  Ken  Oliva , followed  by  bridesmaids...

Lito Quinto   and  Meda  Quinto  Caramat  , sister  of  Juliet  are  two of the principal   sponsors  . Meda  flew   from  Mangaldan   where she resides , to be with her sister  .

 

Grace  ( Maid of Honor )  and  her brother Armand  de  Guzman ( Best  Man )  march  down  the aisle . .

Jun's  son  Jason  is his  Dad's best man  and Cheryl is  also  a Maid of Honor  like her sister Grace ...

The  happy  groom , Jun , marched  on the aisle  accompanied  by  his son  Jason  and  Mary  , Jun's older sister  ...

The  beaming bride  was escorted  to the altar  by  two of his sons , Jose Valentino  and Jose Gavino  Oliva .

Monsignor Oscar  Aquino   and Rev. Fr. Mark  Gassingan  officiated  the wedding ceremony ..

   

The  bride's and  groom's  children  gave their  blessing  to their parents . Attendees  during the  ceremony  did likewise ..

After  the  ceremony , Juliet  joined her  sisters   Elisa ( in pink  )  and  Meda  for  a  special  family  photo  .

   

The newly  married  couple  with  their  principal  sponsors , Cecelia  Ferrer  Mejia , Meda Quinto Caramat , Emiliana  Frianeza , Irene de Guzman Batilaran , Fred Martinez , Graciano  Tandingan  , Isidro Madamba  and Joselito Quinto .

    

The  bride's  family   that  includes  her  four sons , their wives and  their  children..

After  the ceremony , the  bride  and groom  were joined  by  the groom's  immediate  family  members  led  by the  eldest sister, Nenette de Guzman Tomaneng ,  Mary  , and  brothers  and  their  spouses  , children  and  grandchildren .

Class '59  and  their  spouses  join  the bride and  groom  for a  posterity  photo . Front row , (L-R)  Cecile  F. Mejia ,  Lina Abalos , Marie A. Junio , Emilie  Martinez , Josie Ocoma , Susan  Martinez , Lita  Quinto  and  Anabelle  Bernabe . Back row  : ( L-R )  Ross  Mejia , Isidro  Madamba , Mila  A. Madamba , Mila  Tandingan , Graciano  Tandingan , Lory  Pascua  Blaicher , Joey  Abalos , Mamerto Frianeza , Ernie Ocoma , Lito Quinto , Rolly Bernabe  and  Fred  Martinez .

Ernie  and Josie Ocoma , Marie  A. Junio  joined  Rebecca A. Domagas  and  her daughter  Gina , granddaughter  J.S . and grandson  J.R.  Piano  who  arrived from the Philippines  the previous day ..

Monsignor  Oscar Aquino , who co-officiated  the ceremony  took time off  for a photo  session  with   the couple's  friends , Lita  Quinto , Susan Martinez , Mila A. Madamba   and Mila Tandingan .

Meet the Class '59ers  ( and spouses ): Standing (L-R) Irene  D. Batilaran , Cecile  F. Mejia , Ross Mejia , Mamerto Frianeza , Emilie  Frianeza , Ernie Ocoma .  Seated ( L-R )  Marie A. Junio , Susan Martinez and Lina  Abalos .

At the reception ...................

Jun  and Juliet pose for a photo with their classmates   at  the entrance  of  the Willow Heights Mansion  where  the reception  took place .

It was time to release  the  two  love birds (  notice the doves  in  the couple's hands ?  )  that   symbolize  love and peace  which  the  couple wants  to share  with  their guests . Picture  shows  Juliet , Jun  , Ross  ( the  MC )  and  Marie who delivered a  short  message  at the  decorated  gazebo  overlooking  the mountain  view  of Morgan Hill ...

Hors d' oeures  were served  at the Mansion  when  guests  arrived  after  3:00 p.m . The Mansion  sits  on  top  of  Morgan  Hill  and  guests  enjoyed the view  inspite of  the  cold weather  .

Guests  went back  inside  to dine  on  Filet  Mignon  and  chicken  and  some  cooked  vegetables  in a  sit  down  dinner .

What  is  Jun  looking  for  ? Aha ! He finally  found  the garter after so much  researching  . The single guys  are eagerly  waiting   for the  "throw " ..

The  newlyweds  with the  catchers  of the "garter  "  Armand de Guzman  and  the " bouquet " , Irene  de Guzman Batilaran  ..

   

Fred  and  Susan  Martinez  showed  their  Ballroom  dancing  prowess  as part of the  entertainment .  The  couple resides in Honolulu ..

Another  former  high  school  classmate , Rodolfo  ( aka Boy ) Aquino , serenaded  the couple  with  his  beautiful  rendition  of Moon River  and  our own Tagalog  Kundiman  " Ikaw " . 

The  beaming  newlywed's  first dance  ...

 

Table  hopping  of  the  bride  and groom .. with classmates ...

The  bride and bridegroom  with  Joe and Annie de Guzman , Jasmin  Oliva , Mamerto Frianeza  . Seated are  Marilou M. Jue , Rodolfo Aquino and his wife  .

Jun and Juliet  with  Naty  Lim  and  some friends ...

Ross  Mejia  , the master  of  ceremony  during  the wedding  celebration  and his wife  Cecile  ( nee  Mejia )  who is one of  the  principal  sponsors  ( or ninangs )

The   morning  after the  wedding  day , the newlyweds  joined  their  former classmates  who  stayed  at the Pruneyard  Plaza  Hotel  where  the out of towners  were billeted .  Seated  are  Jun and Juliet . Standing are  ( L-R) Ernie , Josie , Lina , Marie , Annabel , Irene  and  Rolly .

CONGRATULATIONS  AND BEST WISHES  TO YOU , JUN  AND JULIET ..WISHING  YOU  HAPPINESS  TODAY  AND  FOR ALWAYS ..... 

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After  the  pre- wedding dinner , wedding  day  and post -wedding  events , I decided to  take the opportunity  to  see  my  good friends  based  in  California  and  my  sister , and  their  families who are based in Fremont  and  Union  City . 

The  first person  who  met  me  was  my  very  good  friend Amy  Quinto  Acorda , the cousin of Juliet  . She was not able to attend  the wedding because  it  was  the  graduation day of  her only  son  Jason in San  Diego  . We decided  to  meet  at  Juliet's house , then  drove back to  the  Pruneyard Plaza  Hotel  where  I was  staying  with  the  out-of-towner wedding  guests  , for  a  longer  chat . Another  person  I  have  not  seen for ages  is  Lory Pascua  Blaicher   who  now  lives  in  Germany . We had  a good  time  looking  back  at the  past  . She  attended  the wedding .

This  is  Amy  Quinto  Acorda  and Marie .

  Lory  ( nee Pascua ) Blaicher  is based in  Germany  and was here  for the wedding  . I have not  seen  her  for  the  past  49 years .

Another  person  that  I  was thrilled to meet was  Gina  Domagas  Piano (  seated  left ) , who was  my  once-upon-a -time  flower  girl , who is now  a medical doctor in the Philippines and the mother  of two , daughter JS  and son JR , shown  here with Gina's Mom , Rebecca Aquino Domagas .

I was  also  able to  attend  a  small  get together  and  prayer to mark the first death  anniversary  of  my nephew 's  ( Peter  Salvatin )  mother-in -law , on Sunday  afternoon  .

I joined  my  sister  Lourdes , Kuya Marc  ( her husband ) , my niece Arlene , her husband Wilson and their  granddaughter  GeeAnn (  who is my sister's  and  my  apo ed  pueg ) ,  my nephew  Victor ( aka Boy )  his  wife  Eleanor , my nephew Peter  and his wife  Joanne . The  meeting turned out  to  be  a  nice  family  get  together  in Fremont .

Another  very important  friend  who  came to see  me  at  my  niece's  house , Imelda  ( aka Dada ) S.  Panoringan  , where I  stayed  ( after  checking out at the Pruneyard  Plaza Hotel ) was  Atsi Ely  Aquino  Bayle , a dear  friend   and  an  active  MNHS  Class'48  coordinator . Dada and family  live  in Union  City ...

   

Atsi Ely  A. Bayle and Marie

 

Atsi Ely  with Marie , Atsi Lourdes  and Dada  outside  Dada's  house  during  Atsi  Ely's late night  visit ...

The next day ,  my very  good  friends , Josie  P. Calubaquib  and  her  sister  Dora  P. Pio Roda   and  company   dropped  by  to say  hello  to  me , my  sister  and  Dada  . 

Picture  shows  Marie  , Josie , Josie  Pio Roda , Dora  , Atsi Lourdes  and Dada ..

Sonny  Pioroda ( Dora's  hubby )  joined us in this picture ....

Josie P. Josie  C . Atsi Lourdes , Dada , Marie  and  Dora ...

The trip  I took  was  short   but  very  productive . Aside  from  attending   Jun and  Juliet's  wedding  , I  was able to reconnect  with a  lot  of  people  , specially  my  family  and  special  friends  whom  I  don't  see  very  often .

   

MAREVA'S TOWN FIESTA HAWAIIAN STYLE

A well - attended  celebration  of  our Mangaldan Town Fiesta  took place on May 17th , 2008  at  a church social hall  in Vancouver . Santo  Tomas  the Aquinas  has  always been the focus  of our  town  fiesta  specially   on his feastday  .   

The celebration has been delayed  from it's regular   fiesta date in March  due  to the  Mangaldanians  ( of Vancouver ) being  in Mangaldan . It was a perfect day  for the Hawaiian  theme  of the town fiesta . It was warm and sunny  and it was  the most  awaited  weather  since  summertime .

Former  Mangaldanians  and their  families  arrived   garbed  in  colorful  and  bright  Hawaiian  attires . Old   timers  as well as  new  arrivals  from  Mangaldan  came  excited  , not only  because of the weather  but  to  see  and  meet   former  kabaleyans  .

A catered  buffet  dinner  started  the  ball  rolling .  Tess Marier ,  a former  Chairman  of  MAREVA , led  the prayer  before  dinner . Marie  Aquino  Junio  was   the  emcee  with  Leny  Cancino  Guiang   as  co - emcee   ( or shall I say  co-host ? ) .

 

The  incumbent  Chairperson , Rusty  Cervas Miraflor ,  welcomed  all the guests  after  dinner , stressing  the  Importance  of  invoking  St . Thomas Aquinas  as our  town's patron saint .

Earliest  immigrants  were  introduced  as well  as  new  arrivals ( from  Mangaldan  ) were  acknowledged  and  presented   to  the audience . Picture  of earliest ones include Tess Carvajal  Marier ( 1967 ) , Venus  Jimenez  and  Ruben Dioquino  ( 1969 ) , and  Tom and Sally Oca ( 1972 ) , Marie  Junio  ( 1974 ) , Mona Lopez Tan (1974 , not in picture ) , Estrella Mejia Espinoza ( 1975 )  Reynalda  Cabrera Pagal  ( 1975 ) and Rebecca  ( nee de Vera )  and  Manny Mejia ( 1975 )

The  latest  arrivals  include  Red Idia , Sol  Villena ,  Daisy  Tibig  , Gina  and  family ( from Seattle ) ,Marla , Marissa  and Jun  Cadang , and Lita  ( nee Sarzaba ) Torio  ( from Seattle ) . 

What  is  a  Hawaiian  celebration  without   Hula  dancers ?  Officers  of Mareva  surprised  the audience  with their  Hawaiian  dances , with  the  coaching  of  Marita  Salcedo  , an  "adopted " Mangaldanian  . A special  piano piece was  played  by  Mark  C. Perez , son  of  Gina (  nee Carvajal ) . Another  Hawaiian  dance was performed  by  seven  year  old  Jennifer  Pagal .

Our hula dancers include  Rose Urbano Cervas ,Marieta Salcedo , Leny  Cancino Guiang , Rusty Cervas Miraflor , and  Angie de Vera Encarnacion . The  guys include  Mike Encarnacion , Briggy Miraflor , Carding Pagal , Orly Cervas   and Fil Salcedo .

The  "unofficial " hula dancers , Mike, Marie , Rose , Briggy , Rusty , leny , Orly , Angie Marieta and Filemon ..

A  children's  spring  fashion  show  was  prepared  by Gina  C. Perez . 

   Is  Matthew C. Perez  ready  to go  surfing ?

Faye C. Catungal  in a  spring  casual  dress .

   

Here is our youngest  "fashionista " in a spring frock , Lelina C. Cox , accompanied  by Mom , Carol Cervas Cox .

Maria  C. Guiang  on the " runaway " with  her  version of  a spring party  dress . Tyler Cervas  had  a very  casual  spring   attire .

 

Meet  the  budding  young  "fashionistas" , Matthew C. Perez, Mark C. Perez , Clarissa C. Cox , Faye C. Catungal , Lara C. Catungal , Tyler Cervas , Jesselie C. Catungal , Maria C. Guiang  and  little Lelina C. Cox . The  moderator , Gina C. Perez joined the group ( in red flowers ).

A  special  surprise  number  was presented : Acknowledgement  of  Mary  Grace  Miraflor  Parr ( daughter  of  Briggy and Rusty  Miraflor ) as our  first  Mangaldanian  medical  doctor  graduate in Vancouver  ( UBC ) and  to Cecille  L. Tan  ( daughter of Pepe and Mona  Tan ) who  is  graduating  from  Simon Fraser  University  this June  with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology  . They are not only  the pride of their parents  but ours  , too , who came from  our  own town  of Mangaldan . ( Note :  The parents were  not aware  of this  special  part of the program . Only  the hosts , Marie and Leny  were  in  "cahoots " . )

Trivia  questions about Mangaldan  and British  Columbia  were  asked  to  six  Mangaldanians  volunteers  as  a test   to how well  we know  our town  and our  adopted  province , British  Columbia  . Contestants  were  all  knowledgeable  so they  passed  the test  with  flying  colors  .All six  went home with a prize .

Trivia questions  and  answers  contestants  include Julie  Ydia , Jun  Cancino , Maridel de Vera , Dolly  C. Catungal , Marla  Martinez and Red  Idia .

The  following  pictures  show  the  guests  .

   

Djoma de Guzman (  of Aliguas Mangaldan fame  ) and wife Maridel , Madonna and Ray Tan , Cecille and Pepe Tan  are shown at this table .

We have Lito and Estrella  Espinosa  , Ester P. Mejia  and  company , enjoying their dinner ..

Former  Mangaldanian Cecille de Vera Townsend and  hubby  Michael  Townsend , Mike Encarnacion , Cora Imbat   and  Rebecca  de Vera Mejia  share  this table  and  are recalling  their  years  in Mangaldan ...

Judith de Vera  and  Jun , Jason , Jocelyn  Bautista and Steve  , Jingle de Vera and Brian Singson .  ...

Reynalda C. Pagal ,  Diosco  Cancino  , Jun  and  wife  Alma Cancino   share  some  chats  with Rose  U. Cervas  ...

   

Old  buddies Jun Jimenez  and wife Lina , Eddie Soriano  and wife  talk  about  old  times in their  college years  while Ida Jimenez Malanum, Venus  and Ruben Dioquino  shared old  time memories  .

Receptionists  Marla Martinez , Marissa  ( nee Limon ) Cadang  and Marie ( nee Soriano ) Palmani  had their hands  full  checking  arrivals  at the entrance .

Dolor Mejia , Belen and  Rogel  Ulanday with the tropical fruit basket  at their table  ....

Carding  Mejia , Nini  Cervas   Piedad , Dolly Cervas Catungal , Julie Ydia  , Christian Piedad , Jesselie , Faye and Lara  Catungal  are all smiles at this table .

Lei- clad  Rusty C. Miraflor, Tess C. Marier , Marie Aquino Junio  and  Connie  Perez  were joined by  Tom Oca  and Carding ...

 

The  Perez  and the Cox  families posed  for  the "Paparazzi ".

Dance for  all  followed  after  the   Trivia  contest ... Many  door prizes  were  drawn  and  given out  to lucky  guests  . Major   door  prize   donated  by the  Pasalubong  Forwarders Ltd . (  a certificate  for a free door to  door box  and transport )  was   won  by  Redentor   Idia . The  winner  of the  50/50  raffle was  Joel  Espinosa .  Congratulations  to  all  winners ..

The  singing of our favorite "Malinac Lay Labi "  followed by  our  Philippine National  Anthem  officially  marked  the  conclusion  of  the   special  occasion  .

A special  thanks  to  all who have  given  their time and effort  to make this  occasion an  enjoyable and memorable one . And to all  our  kabaleyans   and guests , thank  you ...

The next  event  of  Mareva is  the  Annual  Family  Picnic   at Jericho  Beach  ( same venue as last year  2007  )  on  July  26, 2008 .  We hope  to  see you  there  again , dear  kabaleyans .

AIDA TURNS 50

Family and  friends  got together  to celebrate  the 50th birthday of Aida de la  Rosa  , nee  Bautista  , formerly  resident of  Barangay  Malabago  in Mangaldan . She is married  to Roger de la Rosa  of  Baguio . They  now live in  Vancouver  . Their  children  are  Javvy  (and his  wife , Carmela , nee Viray ) , daughters  Jonah Marie  and  Rachel .

The  party  was held  at their residence  on  April  20th , 2008  , which started   early ( about 5 p.m )  and lasted   till  late  in the evening . Aida's  sister's , Judith  , Arleen  and  Jocelyn  lent  their helping hands  . Many  other  relatives  and  friends  partook of  the myriads  of " putahes " of  Filipino  cuisine  and  delicacies .  Young tots  , teeners  and  seniors converged  at their three  storey  house  .  Numerous  guests  occupied   almost  every  room   in the  house  , each with  their age groups .

The following  photos  show  the  celebrant  , her  immediate family , relatives and friends .

The youngish looking   celebrant , Aida  B. de la Rosa ..It is hard to believe  she is now 50 , but she looks  much younger  than  her  age .

 

The celebrant  , Aida , with  her  hubby , Roger  de la  Rosa ..

Aida's  Immediate family  include , from  L-R , Javvy  and wife Carmela ( nee  Viray ) , Jonah Marie , Aida's  husband Roger , Aida  and  Rachel ..

Mangaldanians  joined  the celebrant  , L-R , Aida's youngest sister Jocelyn , Marie Aquino Junio, Aida , Philip Fabia and Redentor  Idia .

Here is the teener's corner  with   Aida's daughter  Jonah Marie , Jingle de Vera  and  their young friends .

The Bautista  and de Vera  families  taking the opportunity  to play their favorite  pastime , Tong-it ..

The very young ones  also took  time off  to pose  at the stairway ..

Guests  ready  to dig in  include , Philip , Red , Javvy , Carmela , Jocelyn and Nelly .

Co-workers of  Roger attended  the  special  celebration ..

The celebrant  posed  with  kabaleyans Philip Fabia ,Red Idia  , Marie Aquino Junio and  recent  arrival   Brian Singson ( seated ) .

HAPPY  BIRTHDAY , AIDA , MAY YOU HAVE MANY MORE  HAPPY BIRTHDAYS . GOD  BLESS YOU !!!

Mangaldan Town Fiesta : A Spring Celebration

FINALLY , HERE IS  OUR  OFFICIAL  INVITATION  FOR  OUR  MANGALDAN  TOWN FIESTA  CELEBRATION .

INSTEAD OF THE USUAL  MARCH  CELEBRATION , WE  DECIDED  TO MAKE  A MAY  CELEBRATION .

PLEASE JOIN US  , DEAR  KABALEYANS  SPECIALLY  THOSE  RESIDING  IN METRO  VANCOUVER  AND

NEIGHBORING  CITIES  ( INCLUDING  OUR  NEIGHBOR  , THE U.S . STATE  OF  WASHINGTON )  .

 

Trisha , The Debutante from Australia

The youngest   child of Pec and  Tess ( nee  Biala ) Visperas , Trisha  Mae , had  a  ball  when  she turned  eighteen . The family resides in Australia  but  the celebration was in the Philippines .

March 9 , 2008  was a special day  for Trisha . It was her debut ( or  " coming of age "  for young girls ) . Pec and Tess  decided  to  hold the party for her  in  the  Philippines  because  they want to share the occasion  with  their  families , many  of them residing  abroad   as well  as  in Mangaldan . It was a timely  event  since most  of their relatives  living abroad  were  in Mangaldan  to attend the STCS  Diamond Jubilee  and  Alumni Homecoming .

Trisha's invitation 

Trisha , the pretty  debutante in a fairy tale  ride on a swan .

 

The family photo  with Pec , Tess , Camille , TJ and Joper .

Trisha with the 18 gentlemen  who each gave a rose to her ..

The  eighteen  ladies  who carried  the 18 candles ,( in wine glasses ) which  looked  like  they were ready to give her a toast .

Father and daughter  doing the waltz .

With two boys and two girls in the family  , plus the parents  , nobody  needed a  "DI "  in this family .

Trisha dances with one of her  18 escorts , Andre  Aquino  from  Texas .

 

Eva Biala Sabado , Trisha's aunt , presenting her  gift to the debutante .

Male relatives toasting the debutante  !

The following  pictures  are the  group  pictures  of  guests  ( families and close friends ) from  different  parts of the  Philippines  as well as from other  countries .

 

A picture of youth and vibrancy  is  represented in this picture ..

Pec with Dick Sarzaba , Thelma S. Romero , Lily V. South ,  Trisha , Tess , Ditas , and  Mr. Aquino . Seated are  Cora J. Aquino , Del Llobrera , Marilou M. Jue  and  Mr. South   

The  gathering of the  young and the " young once " include  Fe T. Datuin , Nena Castro , Feling T. Palisoc , Linda Ang , Meding C. Biala ( Grandma of the debutante ) Norma T. Ramat , Mimi V. Juguilon and Mrs. Velante .

Seated in this picture are  Amanda B. Cera , Eva B. Sabado , Linda J. Biala , Perla B.Cruz and Mila Biala . Standing are Chit  B. Magalong , Vivien C. Mariano , Raquel G. Labayen , Marie  Aquino Junio , F. Mamayson , Ludy Mamayson , Annie B. de Guzman and Bobby C. Biala

Trisha  with relatives

Friends of the  family

Maternal relatives of the debutante  led by  Grandma Demetria C. Biala

The paternal relatives of Trisha .

It was  a great gathering , indeed ! We did  not  have to go to Australia to attend  Trisha's debut . Pec and Tess  made  a  great decision  to  celebrate  with  very close relatives and friends  in the  the Philippines  . I am sure Trisha really enjoyed  her " almost  like  a  Fairy -Tale  Debut  "celebration .

HAPPY  BIRTHDAY  , TRISHA .. I AM SURE YOU  ENJOYED  YOUR  DEBUT  IN OUR  COUNTRY ...

P.S.  Linda ( Bobby's  wife  ) and Tess  celebrated their birthdays  at  the Biala residence in Poblacion  , too  . Families and friends  had  great times  reconnecting  with  each other  . The Biala residence  became  the center  of  many activities  during  this season  ...        

MAREVA'S Christmas Get Together

It is Christmas time , time  for getting  together  with friends  and  families ( usually on Christmas Day  for families ) .  Office parties  , Association parties  , community parties and all kinds  of parties dominate  the activities in December .  The Christmas season is  stressful  as  well  as exciting  for  most  of us . Shopping  here and there , braving the crowd , hustling  parking spots  always become like a nightmare .

MAREVA's  general  membership  decided  not to  hold a Christmas  party  due to the busy schedule  of  many  members . However , through  the  suggestion and invitation of  Angie , our incumbent Treasurer , and her husband  Mike  Encarnacion , a small  get together  of  the  officers  was decided  to be held  at their residence in Richmond , B.C. on  Saturday , December  15th , 2007 . We decided to  hold  a  board  meeting  in preparation  for  next  year's  activities , too . Not all  officers  were present due to  their various  early  commitments  but  there was enough quorum  to make it  official . We have added  a mascot  in our  group , Angie's  dog  named Latte  , a shih-tzu , who was in a Santa Claus attire  during the  party ..

We also took  the opportunity  to welcome  Manny  and  Rebecca ( de Vera ) Mejia  who  just moved  from  Edmonton , Alberta  to  Vancouver , B.C. When I asked them if  they  would be  missing the  white Christmas in Edmonton  , both  answered " maybe " . But they  both  agreed  that for sure they  won't miss  the snow  shoveling  which is  the normal ( routinary ) winter " activity "  in  Edmonton  . Another  reason  of their move is to be closer to  Rebecca's sister , Angie . Manny and Rebecca just  bought   and  moved to their  new house  in the same  area   as  the Encarnacion's . Welcome to Vancouver , Rebecca  and  Manny . We  hope  to see  more  of  you  in our   MAREVA  activities .....

As  Mangaldananians  were  getting ready  to  "dig in " the sumptuous  food  , Angie  paused for  a prayer  before meals  and a group  photo .

The group  is waiting for  Briggy to take the  "first bite  and taste "  in order to give his verdict  on Mike's  " pinapaitan "  ala Mangaldan . Even  the mascot Latte  was waiting  for  Briggy 's  go signal . It was thumbs up ! ! Mike's  pinapaitan  passed  with  flying  colors ! ! Mike  is a Caviteno  and  the food  taster  is a Zambaleno . We have to credit  their Mangaldanian  wives  for  their  discriminating  and  excellent  taste  buds  ( by Mangaldan  taste standards ) . Puedeng puede na , MiKe . Naopo opot  so  pinapaitan  ya nilutom .

Manny  looks  so happy  moving to  Vancouver  that he felt  like  hugging  and  kissing  his wife  Rebecca  over and over  for  giving  up  her home  and  friends in Edmonton  to  adhere to  his  desire to live in Vancouver . Mona , Marie , Angie and Mike are more than  pleased  to  hear  the news  .

Cecile  de Vera  Townsend  and  Edna  ( Mike's sis )could  hardly  believe that  Rebecca  ( and Manny )  are  here to stay . That makes  their  shopping group  complete ...

Angie  presented  her  beloved  pet  Shih-tzu , Latte , in  her  Santa Claus  costume .  The Mareva   group ( with Chairperson Rusty , board  members Marie  and Rose ) has  adopted Latte  as  it's  mascot as Rebecca and  Angie  watch  the  verbal " adoption "  process .. ( Would you  believe  that Latte has her own  bedroom  in  the  beautiful  Encarnacion  residence  ?  You better   believe it ! ! )   

       

Boni  and  Josie ( de Vera ) Flores  came  with  Josie's  sister  Marie de Vera  from  Seattle ...

Oh, boy  , the guys  made Briggy  again  the  Karaoke  tester ? Mike , Manny  ,Orlie , Pepe , Oggie  Crisostomo  ( Mike's brother -in-law )and Michael  are waiting  for their  turn  in the battle of  the  "voices "..Agay laya , si Briggy  so ipapatara  da . Well , it  shows  he is always  a good sport ! ! Thank  you , Briggy ...   

The Paparazzi took  the picture  of the ladies as they  are coming down  from  the  tour  of the  house  to see  Latte's  bedroom . Another pet , P.Am , a cat  previously owned  by Donna , the only child of Angie and Mike  , occupies  another  well furnished room .  From the top : Angie , Rusty , Rose , Mona , Rebecca , Marie  A J , Marie  de V ., Josie and  Cecile ..Yes , we are impressed with  Latte's  and P. Am's  bedrooms .  They each have double beds  and  wide screen  TVs.

Inspite  of the  many activities during  the party  and  unintentional  interruptions , the meeting  was successfully  conducted . Mona , Rusty , Marie , Angie  and Rose  are  all smiles  after  the  board meeting . Note : The  male board members  were having  the "karaoke marathon " while  the ladies  were  tackling  the  details  of the meeting  ..Watch  out  for the posting  of  MAREVA's next  activity   which  is  A Town Fiesta  in May  ...

Here  are  the  attendees  of  the  small   MAREVA Christmas  Get  Together  :

Seated  from  L-R : Marie  Aquino Junio , Cecile de Vera Townsend ,  Rose Urbano  Cervas , Marie  de Vera , Josie de  Vera  Flores , Angie de Vera Encarnacion , Rebecca de Vera Mejia , Mona Lopez Tan and Rusty Cervas Miraflor . Standing  from  L-R : Michael Townsend , Manny  Mejia , Boni Flores , Briggy Miraflor , Pepe Tan , Mike Encarnacion  and Orly  Cervas  .

We  wish  to thank  Angie  and Mike  for  making  our  MAREVA  Get Together  possible (with  excellent  food  ) and  for  being  great  hosts .   The Mangaldan  Residents of  Vancouver  Area  group  wish  to  greet  all our  kabaleyans   A BLESSED   AND MERRY  CHRISTMAS  ! ! !     

Post Thanksgiving Day Get Together

Thanksgiving Day is one of the most  important  and  one of the  most celebrated  holidays  in North America . We  celebrate it  in Canada  on  the  2nd  Monday  every October  which fell  on October 8th this year . The Americans celebrate their Thanksgiving  Day every 2nd  Thursday  from  the last day of November  which  fell  on November 22nd this year .

My friend  and former elementary classmate  Cecile Ferrer  Mejia  and  her husband Ross , decided to have some friends ( or shall I say  former classmates  ) over at their place in West Covina  to  have a Post Thanksgiving  Day  get together . They  were aware  that  the  actual  day  of Thanksgiving  Day  is  always spent  with  the immediate family . 

Some former classmates  in our elementary grades  showed up . The  same  group  spent their high school  years at  the  MNHS . Unfortunately , I lost track  of some of my elementary  classmates when  I went  to study  in STCS . Fortunately  , I have reconnected with  most  of  them through  Cecile  .

Friends  who made  it  to the  Post  Thanksgiving  Day   get together  party  were Salvador Mendoza and his wife Naty  who live  in  Yuma , Arizona , Milagros  Aquino  Madamba  and husband  Ed  from  Lake View Terrace  , CA , Ed's cousin-in-law Virgie  from Pasadena ,CA , Juliet  Quinto Oliva  from San Jose , CA , Jun de Guzman  from Chino Hills , CA , and  Irene de Guzman from  Arcadia , CA and  me , from Vancouver , Canada ( virtually , through cyberspace ).

I got a wonderful  treat  when Cecile phoned  and let me talk with each  of  my  " long lost  " former classmates .  Talking with them brought back  memories  of my elementary  years  , when most of the girls were in pigtails and the boys were in their short pants  and everything seemed so uncomplicated . I don't know how  each  looks   now  but not  surprisingly , from the pictures  I received  for this posting , the years  have been good to them .

The  day  started  with  morning  merienda of  "ginataan " for the " early  birds" , Sal and Naty . Lunch was served  when everybody  arrived  which  stretched  to  dinner to the wee hours of the night singing  on the karaoke . It was almost two o'clock in the morning  when  Cecile and husband Ross  finally  washed , dried and  put away  the last dish . To them it was a day  well  worth it . I am sure  these pictures  would  prove  them right .

This  is the  group  who made it to Cecile and Ross Mejia's Post Thanksgiving Day  Get Together party . Front row ( l-R)  Irene de Guzman , Juliet Quinto Oliva , Naty Mendoza ,Cecile F. Mejia , Milagros A. Madamba  and Virgie . The guys at the back are ( L-R ) Salvador Mendoza , Ed Madamba and Ross  Mejia .

Cecile ( center )  flanked by  Salvador Mendoza and his  his wife Naty  . Ed Madamba  stands at the background .

The happy bunch ....

Mila Aquino Madamba and Virgie enjoying  their food .

This is  the couple from Yuma , Arizona , Salvador and Naty Mendoza , who drove  to West Covina  to  meet  Sal's  classmates  after  48 years  of not meeting each other .

Juliet Quinto  and Jun de Guzman are seated while  Cecile , Naty , Salvador and Irene stand  behind ..

Milagros (Aquino) and  Ed Madamba posed  for   the camera ...

The hostess , Cecile , ready to cut the cake  brought by the  Mendozas while  everybody  was  waiting for their share . Tonight , the ladies  are forgetting about calories ...

Jun de Guzman  and  Juliet Q . Oliva  seem   to be  enjoying their  friends'  presence  ( or is it the food ? ) while Cecile  watches them  from  the kitchen  .

And of course , here  is  the  picture  of the glowing  husband and wife team , Ross and  Cecile ,  who  made  the  special  get together  possible   and who made it possible  for me to reconnect  with old  buddies ...Thanks  a lot , Cecile and Ross ...

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Addendum :

Cecile  and Ross  celebrated  their 29th  wedding  anniversary  on  Saturday  , December 2nd . They celebrated their special  day  with a sit down dinner  at  home  with  their two sons , Emmanuel  and  Jun .  They  are  still  in love  as much as they  were  when  they said their  vows  29 years ago . 

   HAPPY  29TH ANNIVERSARY , CECILE AND ROSS !! MAY YOU HAVE MANY MORE  HAPPY YEARS  TOGETHER  AHEAD OF YOU ...... 

A Wedding By The Beach

It was a wet and cold morning when I left Vancouver on September 30th  to attend my niece's wedding  at Playa Del Carmen , Mexico . I was filled with great  anticipation as I  arrived at the Cancun International Airport since it was my first time  to  go to  a Mexican resort . It  was hot but I welcomed the change .  Andrea , my niece , arranged  everything , so  even the pick-up  vehicle to  the hotel was no problem .

The place ?  The hotel  where  the  wedding party  was  billeted  was called Iberostar Quetzal  Hotel . It  is not the typical hotel . Trees  are in abundance   and   animals , like the small monkeys , sekoras ( is my spelling right ? I have to think of Shakira , the singer  to remember that  specie ) , peacocks ,  flamingos and other feathered  creatures roam around  freely .  No, the animals don't bite .  Guests  can see them  along the pathways  . A  wristband  given upon registration at the hotel  entitles  a  hotel  guest to dine at any of the restaurants at  the hotel  grounds  and all the amenities offered by the hotel . 

The wedding party  from  Texas  arrived earlier and  because  it was a truly beautiful day , most  of  them took the chance to enjoy  swimming  at the aquamarine  sea .

The  Wedding day , Oct. 3rd .( which is also Andrea's birthday ):

Andrea  Aquino ,  the bride , is the daughter of Dr . Andrew  D. Aquino , a former Mangaldanian , now living in Kingsville , Texas . Andrea lives in San Antonio , Texas. 

Dr. Andres  Aquino  and wife Inge with  Andrea  at her hotel room  before  the ceremony .

  Andrea  with Inge , Marie  and  eldest sister Imelda Aquino Kerr .

 

The bride- to- be , with  Auntie Marie , who represented  the Aquinos  from California and  Vancouver , B.C. and the Philippines , who  were not able to attend .

   

In a traditional wedding , a limo would normally pick up the bride but in this case , a golf cart   was provided as a transportation to the ceremonial site at the beach.

Dr. Andrew Aquino  walking his daughter  Andrea  down the aisle .

          

White  covered   seats  were  specially  provided  for  the  few  special guests  .

  The  bride , Andrea , and  groom ,Tony , ready to say  their vows .   

   

Tony and Andrea   exchanging their rings and saying their " I do's.

  The  couple  pouring pink and blue coloured sands  into  a glass ,  a special  ceremonial  gesture  added to the traditional  exchange of rings .

After  being pronounced as husband and wife , Tony and Andrea  gave  a toast to each other for a  happy  married  life .

Presenting the beaming newlyweds , Tony  Vaziri and Andrea  Jane Aquino ....

The  new bride  with her  siblings , Imelda , Yolanda  and Andre  sharing each other's joy  in their sister's new status ..

   

The newly married couple  with Inge , Andrew  and Tina Vaziri .

The reception  followed , after  the  beachside  ceremony , at the La Hacienda  Restaurant  , a Mexican  restaurant  , where the Mariachi band serenaded the newly  married  couple as well as  the  few guests  who flew  in  from  different parts of North America  to  be with Tony and Andrea  in celebrating  the most important  day of their lives . It was truly a very beautiful and memorable  day , a wedding by the beach , with our feet  enjoying  the feel  of the sand  amidst the azure  water of  Playa Del Carmen . 

  The  heart-shaped  plate  where  the few guests  signed  will be baked  to retain  permanency .Guests included  very close members of the couple's family and very close friends : Dr. Andrew D. Aquino and  Inge  Aquino,from Kingsville Texas : Imelda Aquino Kerr from Houston , Texas , Yolanda Aquino  from Austin , Andre Aquino Jr . from Kingsville , Marie Aquino Junio  from  West  Vancouver, Canada,  Chuck Meehan from Austin ,Texas , Tina Vaziri  and David Poe , also both from Austin , Carolyn Johnston and Tye Johnston from Houston , Josephine Martin and Brianna Szcesuil  from Chicago . Andrea and Tony are based in San Antonio , Texas..

CONGRATULATIONS  AND BEST WISHES , TONY AND ANDREA . MAY YOU HAVE A HAPPY AND LASTING  UNION . GOD BLESS YOU  ! !       

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Special  side  trips before and after  the wedding :

Excursion to  Xcaret :

Visiting  Xcaret has been a very  satisfying  as well as a very enjoyable  way  of unveiling  Mayan culture  and the unique spectacles . Xcaret  unveils their roots , customs , traditions , cultural and natural richness  like the underground rivers , beaches , flora and fauna . For a newcomer like me , it  was an  eye  opener and  it  was a  very worthwhile  place to spend the day  at .                                               

The  bird's eye  view  of Xcaret .

Excursionists  ready to board  the  colourful bus  to Xcaret .

The  underground  snorkeling was truly refreshing at Xcaret . I  loved  it , but I could hardly recognize myself in those  big  goggles . And due to " technical difficulties " , I did not see  a lot of  fish  with my snorkel gear . But I  truly enjoyed this adventure .

Large turtles abound in Xcaret.

Seahorses  in  different colours  are displayed at the Xcaret  aquarium . Other  sea  creatures  and  extraordinary corals  are found  in the same  aquarium ...

Chichen Itza , Yucatan adventure :

Due to its tongue twisting name  we called it "Chicken Pizza "  which  was easier for everybody to say . . It includes  the  Cenote  experience . Cenotes are underground  rivers where  visitors can  swim at their own risks ( no lifeguards ). It was followed by  a  Mexican lunch . After lunch , our tour guide  brought us to the Mayan Ruins . The heat was almost unbearable  but  our  interest  in the history  of those structures  led  us  on  till  the end  of the tour . But whew ! ! Thanks  for  the  cold  bottled water  supplied to us by our tour guides . An ambulance  is always  around  to assist  sun stroke victims .

This is the Cenote ...

   

Excursionists Andrea , Chuck , Marie and Yolanda ..No sign of Tony ? He had the snifles  so Andrea came solo ....

Chuck , Yolanda , Brianna , Josie and Andrea  were about ready to  swim at their own risks but  they changed their minds . We became  observers and bystanders instead , which was an  awesome experience .

Time to  see the Mayan Ruins  during our "chicken pizza " tour .

 

A rest and a break from the  walking tour in the heat of the sun was  what we  all needed . And , oh  yes , we needed the shade ,of the tree , too . That was our bus number I was  holding on to .

Stopping by the Cancun Catholic Church  concluded our Chichen Itza  tour .....

These two excursions were great ! ! What  amazed me was how  environmentally friendly  the resorts  we  went to  are . Biodegradable suntan lotion  is  a  MUST when  one  goes to swim  whether you  are in Xcaret  or in the Cenotes . Attending Andrea and Tony's wedding  was one great  experience  for everybody ...Am  I  glad  I  accepted the invitation  ! ! ! ! Spending quality time with  my brother and his family  whom I seldom see , was  the most  gratifying  experience  I  had . 

Surprise ! Surprise !

There are times in our lives  when  we just want  to  make someone  happy and surprised . Rusty Cervas Miraflor , the current  Chairman  of our  MAREVA  group in Vancouver is such a busy person that  she could not  have time  to  have  a birthday dinner  with her  family or friends  on  the day of her  birth , September 24th . Evelyn de Vera  Vasquez , an old friend of hers and I  wanted  to make it different . I called her husband Briggy  and took him into our confidence .  Everything was set . 

The day came. The setting ? The  beautiful condo of Josie ( De Vera ) and Bonnie Flores  ( who were in Australia  ), The guests ? Evelyn , Miniang and  Ermie  de Vera  and their daughter  Melinda , Joseph Flores , Lita Cortez , a neighbour of Evelyn in Portland , Oregon , Frank Aquino , Pepe Tan and  the oldest Mangaldanian living in  Vancouver , Tia  Maria De Vera , mother of Josie and Ermie and who lives in the same condominium  with a  fantastic  view . Djoma  and I were present , making sure we would be recording this special moment .  It also coincided with our  First Anniversary  in our website , Aliguas Mangaldan . It meant  a  double  celebration . The pictures  posted  speak for themselves .

   Surprise ! Surprise !  Briggy knocked  and as the door was opened , the Happy  Birthday  song wafted through the air and out came the  group . It was a great  moment to see a truly  surprised Rusty !  Picture shows  Eve  hugging  Rusty .

The participants in the "surprise " event  with Ermie and wife  Miniang , who was the " chef cook " of the  event , Lita , Evelyn , Rusty , the honoree , Marie , Frank , Briggy , Djoma and Pepe .

      

Rusty  with the gals  who made the  surprise bash a real surprise  for the birthday girl ......

We are so lucky to have with us  the oldest  Mangaldanian  living in Vancouver .  Tia Maria De Vera  who is 96 years  old is shown with Evelyn ( her niece ), Rusty , Marie  , granddaughter Melinda ( daughter of Ermie and Miniang ) , Tia Maria  and  grandson Joseph  De Vera  Flores , son of  Josie and  Bonnie  in whose condo the surprise  party  was  held ..

The picture  below   shows the celebrant  cutting her  favorite ube cake  and the  "cake eaters "  ready to have their share .    

 

Organizers and the few guests  of  our surprised celebrant , Rusty  ...

Aliguas  Mangaldan  Editorial Team , Djoma and Marie  are on hand  to record the  special event  . It also served as  the website's First Anniversary Celebration ...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY , RUSTY , MAY YOU HAVE MANY MORE  HAPPY ONES  ! !