Steering Committee Meeting Report No. 3
by Ann Mariano
To recap, the UP Ibalon has had the following meetings:
1. Feb. 2, 2008 - Reunion Dr. Eden Borja Fernando's residence
2. Feb. 9, 2008 - Steering Committee Meet No. 1 - Little Asia
3. Feb. 23, 2008 -Steering Committee Meet No. 2 - Max's Restaurant
4. Feb. 27, 2008 -Steering Committee Meet No. 3 - Kopi Roti
SYNOPSIS
1. I gave a report on my friend James Jaucian's planned 2-week live-
in intensive UPCAT Review in Libmanan. It is a project of the
Municipality of Libmanan Local School Board in cooperation with UPLB
Ugnayang Pahinguhod. It is entitled Academic Enhancement and Youth
Leadership Training because UP faculty are not allowed to conduct
review. The Top 2 of 14 schools in Libmanan will be the target
participants. UP Ugnayan will send 6 trainors and they will shoulder
per diem/honorarium. On the other hand, Libmanan will shoulder the
food, accommodation and trasportation of trainors. They will be
housed in the Bicol Central Academy.
2. Butch said that it will be better for us to develop our own
model/project rather than join with Libmanan or MEMORECALL. He
promised to shoulder also the food, accommodation and transportation
of reviewers if we have.
3 Mighty has been tasked to coordinate with UP Diliman Pahinguhod if
they would be willing to conduct a "review" in Naga City this summer.
Mighty has promised to get back to the Committee in one week if this
is indeed possible.
4. We are pressed for time considering that the school year is about
to end by March 15 or 20. This gives us only a week to conduct an
information campaign/send out invitations, if ever, to different
schools for a summer review class. Target is May 2008 for the
seminar/review.
5. We will open it up to 3rd year students of public schools in Naga,
Iriga and neigboring municipalities.
6. It can just be a simple advisory, giving of materials, pointers in
application. All this will be decided after we get word from Mighty.
To recap, the UP Ibalon has had the following meetings:
1. Feb. 2, 2008 - Reunion Dr. Eden Borja Fernando's residence
2. Feb. 9, 2008 - Steering Committee Meet No. 1 - Little Asia
3. Feb. 23, 2008 -Steering Committee Meet No. 2 - Max's Restaurant
4. Feb. 27, 2008 -Steering Committee Meet No. 3 - Kopi Roti
SYNOPSIS
1. I gave a report on my friend James Jaucian's planned 2-week live-
in intensive UPCAT Review in Libmanan. It is a project of the
Municipality of Libmanan Local School Board in cooperation with UPLB
Ugnayang Pahinguhod. It is entitled Academic Enhancement and Youth
Leadership Training because UP faculty are not allowed to conduct
review. The Top 2 of 14 schools in Libmanan will be the target
participants. UP Ugnayan will send 6 trainors and they will shoulder
per diem/honorarium. On the other hand, Libmanan will shoulder the
food, accommodation and trasportation of trainors. They will be
housed in the Bicol Central Academy.
2. Butch said that it will be better for us to develop our own
model/project rather than join with Libmanan or MEMORECALL. He
promised to shoulder also the food, accommodation and transportation
of reviewers if we have.
3 Mighty has been tasked to coordinate with UP Diliman Pahinguhod if
they would be willing to conduct a "review" in Naga City this summer.
Mighty has promised to get back to the Committee in one week if this
is indeed possible.
4. We are pressed for time considering that the school year is about
to end by March 15 or 20. This gives us only a week to conduct an
information campaign/send out invitations, if ever, to different
schools for a summer review class. Target is May 2008 for the
seminar/review.
5. We will open it up to 3rd year students of public schools in Naga,
Iriga and neigboring municipalities.
6. It can just be a simple advisory, giving of materials, pointers in
application. All this will be decided after we get word from Mighty.
Mahamison na Kumple-anyo!
Napaka-gayon kan mga lobo! An cake nakakapa-lingaw kan diabetes! An mga kandila maliwanag! Nasasabing maw'ot tang magaya-gaya an kumple-anyo ni Bingbing maski kada apat sanang taon siya nag-ce-celebrar?
Bingbing, may you have health, happiness, and good luck for this day and the years ahead!
TotieM
Happy Birthday Bingbing Badiola - Bretan!
To our leap year celebrant,
Happy Birthday Bingbing!
From all UP Ibalon Alumni
New UP Ibalon Alumni Project Upcoming
The UP Ibalon Alumni Steering Committee met tonight at Kopi Roti, Magsaysay Ave., Naga City and gets closer to endorsing a new project. Watch and hear Interim President Butch Robredo give a summary in the video clip below. We apologize for the underexposure. Masyado dimly-lit sa Kopi Roti. Pang lovers an ambiance. Anyway, the audio is clear enough for you to make out what Butch is telling us. Ann Mariano will post the transcript of the meeting anytime shortly. Totie, the committee recognizes with deep appreciation your cash donation. Nasa banko na. Thank you.
What traces would mark them as Ibalons?
It was something very familiar that I couldn't figure when I watched the video of the steering commitee meeting on Saturday, February 23, 2008 in Naga City, until I thought about it.The familiarity couldn't be Butch Robredo who sat attentively, listening to the tune of ideas that went with the pretty ladies around him. By his body language, I knew he was out to digest all what he was hearing, a reminder of his intensity on matters that's close to his heart. His memory must be astute as it had been. He had this forte of adaptation that I couldn't help, but admire.
Butch after all, had been a special Ibalon. Like Godz Lanuza , he was my classmate till the fading moments of my Diliman days. My funny pals since the time we used sticky pomade on our heads and walked on kiddie shorts in Naga Parochial School, they were my classmates, among the most enduring friends I got in my list.
Didn't you notice? Butch got the same shiny hairdo as Godz'---a plain egg-shaped calvarium with slippery slopes that itinerant beetles would avoid, for fear of fracture from a fall!
The video's familiarity couldn't be because I recalled the ancient Ibalonians who attended meetings with lunch boxes prepared for a day in Quezon City's Parks and Wildlife, the secluded place of secret communions which welded the group's unity through its raggedy beginnings. Nobody among those who attended the old meetings were present in the video.
Yet nonetheless, I saw young articulate ladies who smiled shyly as the camera roved like a quizzical microscope, trying to reveal what traces would mark them as true Ibalons. I finally got it! In a low-toned audio, I heard their divine goals. Helping others was tops in the plan!
Bearing the cries of the poor, what better team could we have in Annaliza Mariano? She posted a dreamlist for us to consider in our charity. Won't we be glad that Butch Robredo, Andy Gimpaya, Rose B. Nayve, and Dulce Bernardo were there to gel the whole plan?
In a lighter vein, did I see Analee Badiola, a legendary Ibalon beauty in the video, or was I fooled by a younger face of a clone? I thought if DNA testing were done, the genes would show a match of sisters! What do you think brother Totoy B?
TotieM
Addendum: Steering Committee Meeting Update
Not anymore included in Ann's update:
1) Availability of P5000 donation, to be deposited by Totie Mesia to one of our bank accounts (Thanks, Totie!);
2) Next meeting, Feb 27, Rose Bernardo-Nayve will bring her Wi-Fi capable laptop, so anyone can participate in a video conferencing. (Attention all interested alumni, YM or Skype, take your pick.);
3) Next meeting, Dulce Bernardo will bring her Bayantel Span unit. (So, stand-by, Mighty and others who have Bayantel Span subscription: We will call you).
-Blog Admin
1) Availability of P5000 donation, to be deposited by Totie Mesia to one of our bank accounts (Thanks, Totie!);
2) Next meeting, Feb 27, Rose Bernardo-Nayve will bring her Wi-Fi capable laptop, so anyone can participate in a video conferencing. (Attention all interested alumni, YM or Skype, take your pick.);
3) Next meeting, Dulce Bernardo will bring her Bayantel Span unit. (So, stand-by, Mighty and others who have Bayantel Span subscription: We will call you).
-Blog Admin
Update on the Steering Committee Meeting
by Annaliza Mariano
(Feb. 23, 2008 7:30 P.M. at Max's Restaurant, Avenue Square, Magsaysay Ave., Naga City)
The Steering Committee composed of Butch Robredo, Ann Mariano, Rose
Bernardo-Nayve and Andy Gimpaya met together with Nene Badiola-Lopo
and Dulce Bernardo. The following were discussed:
1. The Back to School or Balik Eskwela proposed project where we will
distribute school supplies this June to incoming students of a
particular barangay, Butch said that we can do this anytime.
2. Medical/Dental Mission was also proposed in the Feb. 9 meet at
Little Asia, this can also be done anytime by the doctors/dentists in
the org.
3. Another project proposed last Feb. 9 was How to get more Bicolano
students into UP was discussed. HOW TO GET INTO UP proposal can be a long-term, recurring project that the group can undertake. As UP
graduates, this project is in the area of education and can foster
academic excellence. It is in an area of our commonality, experience
and expertise. Moreover, it is something that bears the UP stamp.
4. A resource speaker was invited, Clarine Palomares-Tobias, UP BS
Tourism 1990. She heads MEMORECALL, a study center at Ateneo Ave.,
Naga City which also offers UPCAT Review among others. She gave the
group a situationer. Among the things she shared are:
5. There is a lack of awareness of UPCAT. Students do not know that
there is even an UPCAT, nor the deadline for filing of application
form (June), exam date (August 5),applic. form fee (P250 or P500). In
short, very few students from Bicol get into UP because they don't
even know it exists.
6. Students need help in filling up application form. Tips on what
course to choose as options, that quota courses as a rule have to be
avoided, and other insider tips are not known thus decreasing the
chances of ever getting into the UP system.
7. MEMORECALL offers UPCAT review for P4,500 per student. it consists
of 25 meetings or 100 hours of review. Review starts in April. Clarine
said that she can offer a group discount for UP Ibalon if and when we
do decide to undertake this project which can include sponsorship of
review classes for indigents.
8. Among the weaknesses noted in high school students is the lack of
reading comprehension. We are poor in English.
9. Math review classes include Algebra and Trigonometry. Dulce
Bernardo is now a tutor for MATH at Memorecall.
10. After UPCAT, many who do not make it to their first choices do not
know how to get in through other means like transfer, varsity, etc.
11. Many also do not know how to survive the UP Culture/Way of Life.
This can be another topic for discussion/lecture.
12. We can endorse students we choose to the care of UP Ibalon in
campus once they enter UP.
13. We can provide application forms, scholarships/ financial
assistance to those students who come from rural areas.
14. Ann Mariano will talk with a friend from Libmanan who is
undertaking a 2-week intensive review for 4th year students in
cooperation with Pahinguhod (UP Extension services) to find out the
model he is using and where we can enter,improve, etc.
15. We will try to come up with our business model that will use the
resources we have at hand and that we can hopefully replicate.
16. At least 3 areas were identified where we can be of assistance:
information campaign, application process and tutorials/review.
18. We can start this March for the information campaign before
schools close, review classes in April, help file application in June,
prepare for exam in August.
19. Next meeting is scheduled on Wednesday, Feb.27, 2008 7 pm at Kopi
Roti, Magsaysay Ave, Naga City. Everyone interested is invited.
For comments, please cite item number for easy facilitation.
- Annaliza Mariano
UP Ibalon Bicol Interim Officers Meet Anew
The UP Ibalon Bicol Interim Officers Meeting pushed through successfully at Max's Restaurant, Avenue Square, Magsaysay Ave., Naga City, Feb. 23, 2008. The full transcript shall be available shortly after this post courtesy of Naning Mariano. Meanwhile, take a peek at the beautiful faces in that meeting here. Next meeting shall be on Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2008.
For your easy access, we also include here the links to the videos of the UP IBalon alumni reunion at Eden Borja-Fernando's residence last Feb. 2, 2008.
UP Ibalon Alumni Reunion Part 1
UP Ibalon Alumni Reunion Part 2
UP Ibalon Alumni Reunion Part 3
UP Ibalon Alumni Reunion Part 4
UP Ibalon Alumni Reunion Part 5
UP Ibalon Alumni Reunion Part 6
UP Ibalon Alumni Reunion Part 7
-Blog Admin
For your easy access, we also include here the links to the videos of the UP IBalon alumni reunion at Eden Borja-Fernando's residence last Feb. 2, 2008.
UP Ibalon Alumni Reunion Part 1
UP Ibalon Alumni Reunion Part 2
UP Ibalon Alumni Reunion Part 3
UP Ibalon Alumni Reunion Part 4
UP Ibalon Alumni Reunion Part 5
UP Ibalon Alumni Reunion Part 6
UP Ibalon Alumni Reunion Part 7
-Blog Admin
Search engines can now find our site!
The Google indexer finally found our blog. This site is now searchable in Google and other search engines. Type "UP Ibalon Bicol" in Google search and see the result. Totie, May keep our pages burning. Where are the rest? Do not just read, contribute an article. I know Mighty is now preparing to post the history of the UP Ibalon in a series of articles. See you.!
- Blog Admin
- Blog Admin
"Raise funds of love, of kindness, of understanding, of peace"
"We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give." That's according to Winston Churchill who, like Mother Teresa, wants to "raise funds of love, of kindness, of understanding, and of peace."
I presume it's what the UP Ibalon Bicol likes to accomplish this time. It has a list of some charitable projects for this year. The goal of course is to help the needy, whether it's gift-giving in December, back-to-school assistance in June, or a medical-dental mission in September.
The plan isn't unlike what we're used to remembering about Ibalon. We had projects of altruism before when our kindness was prime, pristine and pure.
Kami Minagalang.., a fund-raiser so huge and so tall, had us paying for the ultimate price---losing a generous soul, our friend, the late Rebecca (Bebeth) Espeso. Yet, in our grief, we found solace in giving to the Don Susano Rodriguez Mental Hospital in Pili Camarines Sur.
I recall how Yasmin Paje-Banzon came so early in Diliman, in her crisp white Dentistry uniform, to set-up the "Bicol Products Sale," in CAS, another fund-raiser. With Jo Prades, Vines Nolasco, and May Magdalene Velasco in tow, the Taft People, as they were affectionately called (being residents of Taft Avenue, Manila,) carried boxes of sweet pili, sesame candies, nito bags, and abaca slippers for sale. The profit was earmarked for the Ibalon fund which mostly served for charity.
Feeling the inspiration to help make more money for a cause, Bebeth Espeso and I rushed to La Merced Pastry Shop in EDSA to fetch sans rivals, beehives, chocolate cakes, and cream puffs for the fair. Acting like expert delivery helps, we jostled through crowded JD buses to catch a ride for Diliman, before buyers swooped into our make-shift store right at covered walk. I could only guess the heavenly taste of what were sold in that fair, but I knew we were doing it for Ibalon's charity.
In December, Nips Valenciano, Sabu Sabularse and Fems Espinas strummed the guitars pretty much like folk singers Peter, Paul and Mary, in practice for our Christmas carols. Volunteer singers like Ding Versoza, Tootsie Septimo, Caring Nasol, Eden Borja, Cora Palma, Mighty Baylon, Gods Lanuza, Floro Balce, Arnel Malaya, Andy Gimpaya and a few more (including myself,) strained our voices till our windpipes were sore.
Not thinking much of ourselves, we perservered for the cause. Our reward? A fun joyride in Manila when the crescent moon was new and the breeze was chilly and cold. T'was a good time to fall in love, but I couldn't recall if anybody ever took notice.
We thought losing a voice as warblers of the night was worth the donations we got from the homes we visited. We were so focused to beef up our finances. In some tangible measures, we wanted to help others. Isn't this what we aspire for with this new project, 30+ years later?
I wish UP Ibalon Bicol would help raise funds for godly donations to the poor. A step towards heaven, I think nobody gets destitute by giving.
TotieM
Message from Admin
Do not wonder if our site cannot be Googled yet. The Google indexer that goes over the whole Internet has not found our niche yet. It takes time, but we are assured that once the indexer finds our site, we will be satisfied. We already submitted our site data and site map to Google and made revisions to the HTML of our default page by inserting some meta data, etc. At the moment Internet search engines cannot find us yet but everything should be ok soon.
If you like to add pictures to our slideshow (see top right pane of the main page), post them to the Photos section of our Yahoo Group. We will select from your posts.
Enjoy!
-From Blog Admin
If you like to add pictures to our slideshow (see top right pane of the main page), post them to the Photos section of our Yahoo Group. We will select from your posts.
Enjoy!
-From Blog Admin
UP Ibalon Alumni Elect Interim Officers, to adopt a barangay
by Jun Olin
The UP Ibalon Alumni elected interim officers last Feb.9, 2008 during a meeting held at Little Asia. Named president was Butch Robredo, vice-president, Ana Mariano, secretary, Jaze Morillo,treasurer, Balot Bernardo-Nayve,Webe Monitor-Facilitator, Sieglinde Bulaong, Liaison, Jun Olin.
The initial plan of the group focuses on updating the membership directory and adopting a barangay in which socio-civic projects will be conducted this coming June for the Back-to-School Assistance Project, September Medical and Dental Mission, December Gift-giving.
As of today the group has opened several bank accounts into which kind-hearted and civic-minded members may channel their donations:
First Naga Bank- 01-01595
(The account name in the following bank is First Naga Bank)
Bank of the Philippine Islands- S.A. 8863048932
RCBC- 1390124550
Land Bank of the Philippines- 0040041297026
Metrobank and Trust Company-4183418104849
Note: For wider dissemination, we reproduce in this blog this press release by Liaison Officer Jun Olin, originally posted as e-group e-mail.
- Blog Admin
The UP Ibalon Alumni elected interim officers last Feb.9, 2008 during a meeting held at Little Asia. Named president was Butch Robredo, vice-president, Ana Mariano, secretary, Jaze Morillo,treasurer, Balot Bernardo-Nayve,Webe Monitor-Facilitator, Sieglinde Bulaong, Liaison, Jun Olin.
The initial plan of the group focuses on updating the membership directory and adopting a barangay in which socio-civic projects will be conducted this coming June for the Back-to-School Assistance Project, September Medical and Dental Mission, December Gift-giving.
As of today the group has opened several bank accounts into which kind-hearted and civic-minded members may channel their donations:
First Naga Bank- 01-01595
(The account name in the following bank is First Naga Bank)
Bank of the Philippine Islands- S.A. 8863048932
RCBC- 1390124550
Land Bank of the Philippines- 0040041297026
Metrobank and Trust Company-4183418104849
Note: For wider dissemination, we reproduce in this blog this press release by Liaison Officer Jun Olin, originally posted as e-group e-mail.
- Blog Admin
"Mayong Ibalon na Paroton"
You're right Andy! This blog is ours. Nobody must be inhibited to write the blog, at anytime, in whatever form, mood, or style. The purpose is plain communication; any style must be poignantly endearing to all Ibalonians. Am I correct, Mighty, Min, Vines, Pitmo, Jaze, Fatima, Totoy?
I'm feeling iffy about that "great" post that might alienate the young Ibalons. I assure you, Totie is still the regular guy. I hope my ubiquitous presence here won't be a bother to anyone.
Eden B. Fernando told me, "Ano daw ta an iba, pasyente ko na, dae pa nagpapabistong Ibalon sinda?" An sabi ko man, "kulang lang yan sa communication, baka nasusupog!" "But for what? " she asked.
I'll lament if you guys would do it here. Don't hesitate to speak your minds---To be a lurker (all the time) is a disservice. It's antithetical to Ibalon's tradition. Sabi ni Fems sagkod May Magdalene mayo baga daang Ibalon na paroton!
=0=
Suportado ko an grupo sa objetong kita mag-kasararo man guiraray. Dae ko aram kun pareho an mati kan Ibalon sa grupong nagserbing gabay kan kita si'punon pa, pano pa nin duda sa satuyang pagka-tawo. Ini sana, dakulang razon kita mag-ogma. An dalan na satuyang linakawan halawig na! =0=
Andy, what you recounted when we first talked a long while in that crowded Tutuban station wells my eyes. I thought of it as an epiphany of the joys and sadness we were to deal with in the years ahead.
I was acting like a big brother to you who was a year younger than me in Ateneo. I knew then we shared tall dreams of being doctors in a place away from our parents. I had the unease and trepidation that loomed over our shoulders knowing that UP was far from a picnic.
In Tutuban were disrespectful ticket fixers, but we patiently waited. Distracting us away from boredom and from the smell of sweat om that room which almost robbed our breathe, we talked as if we were at the foot of Mount Everest. On a clearing, Andy and I marvelled at the glory of the top. Unsure of ourselves though, we asked if we had the stamina to survive UP.
Now I can say, God has been magnanimous. Andy ended up in UP College of Medicine and I, in UERM. And we have UP Ibalon, the binding tie that we all share.
=0=
Kami Minagalang..... an maogmang proyecto nin kanta sagkod barayle kan UP Concert Chorus na patronicido kan UP Ibalon.
Dae ko maling'wan an souvenir program na guinibo ko sa direksiyon ni Nestor Raneses. Siisay daw satuya an may kopya? Lingaw na ako kun ano an sinurat ko para sa ipugay an mga pamosong kantante kan UP.
Kan nagadan si Bebeth Espeso, yaon ako sa Iriga. Sa bukid na-Arnel Malaya, sa tuktok nin kahoy, nagkakan nin star-apple (may kapaslu'an ano?)
Dae tulos kami nagpa-Legaspi ni Arnel para sa mahamison na prutas ha haloy ng tagama ni Mama Puring sagkod Papa Ben, magurang ni Arnel.)
Idto palan binawi'an na nin buhay si Bebeth. Kaya pag-kaaga, dae ko maintindihan ta si Yasmin dae nag-ngi-ngirit, mayong guirong. Biernes santo kami duman sa harong na Tibo David.
Nagsentir ako na su pinili kong cover kan Kami Minagalang souvenir program, itom na retrato kan Oblation. Dae ko aram, para sa iba, paligsok palan idto!
=0=
The UP Concert Chorus Bicol tour was supposed to be a happy event. But when the group performed at Colegio de Sta. Isabel auditorium, Ibalon's energy was at a low ebb. Nobody wanted to handle the strobe lights that Sabu Sabularse and others prepared to highlight the charged finale of the performance.
Ibalon wrongly entrusted the strobe's blinding blinks on my hands. Disaster!
I became fascinated to turn the strobes for each song I liked! Dae palan idto bagay sa kundiman! Then someone patted my back and said, "Tan'o ta pigpaparabukasan mo yan! Napo'on pa sana baga an concierto! Totie, magpundo ka daa ta para sa finale ang ilaw na iyan! Pinapa-avisohan ka ni Rey Paguio!!!" LOL!
Grabe si ngarak-ngakan na Ray Rayel, Mac Pavia, Julius y Arnel Malaya kan maaraman na ako an nagpag-kimat-kimat kan ilaw! Pulong-pulong si amigo ni Sabu na iyo an lights director.
Rey Paguio was UPCC's brilliant maestro-conductor who brought the Bikolanos songs from Bach to Bacharach. He had a flair for the music of San Pedro, Saint Saens, Vivaldi, Bernstein, Mozart plus a host of musical greats, including the originators of our local favorites like "Sinisinta kita," "Sarong Banggui," "Bayan ko,"and even that familiar Irish ditty, Londonderry Air (Danny Boy.) The pianist at that time was a prodigious talent from Albay.
=0=
Liwat kong paguiromdom sa mga Ibalons: "Queridos amigos y amigas, tabi man, dae kita mag-alangan na magposte (lalo na an mga jovenes diyan.) Kada linyang isurat nindo, sarong burabod nin kaogmahan! "
"Gabos kita talentosong mga tawo---an luya kan saro, kusog kan iba," iyo baga an sabi kan satuyang mga magurang! An karahayan kan pakikisumaro--- iguang kitang kusog para magamit para sa kadaklan.
Dae ta tabi maling'wan: bakong para siempre (forever) an blog. Habang igua, makisabay sa dalan kan pag-iriba.
=0=
The best part of Andy's post was on how romance bloomed on Nancy under the roving eyes of the disabled miserly Don Susano. I'm so thankful how God took care of you whom I haven't seen for so long! Ah! those blessed kids of yours! I trust they'll do well in their careers. It must be written in the genes and the stars!
I recall Nancy who used to grace some of our meetings before. Am I right she's Emily Sales' friend? I thought you guys crossed our talks when I went to Pili for the fiesta. Has Emily married? Is she still living in that ancestral home infront of the municipal hall? I recall the Sales family has a very delicious way of celebrating the town fiesta! The scrumptious leche flan, fruit salad, and lechon in that house were superb! The best ever, in Pilitown!
Would Emily still remember me? Extend my regards if you do see her. Tiyong Sesinando, her congenial dad, was a close friend of my father
=0=
Tsk...tsk... halaba na naman! Antes de salir, Andy, salamat boy sa recuerdos buenos mo para sako (those extra-kind words that left me thinking whether I deserved them!) Bago mag-go, gusto kong ipa-abot an sakong maibong na patara-tara kinda Abet Guballa, Amy Goleta, Tess General et al. na dae ko naguiromdoman sa enot na poste!
Dios bendiga saindo gabos! Mag-ingat kita sa gubot!
TotieM
I'm feeling iffy about that "great" post that might alienate the young Ibalons. I assure you, Totie is still the regular guy. I hope my ubiquitous presence here won't be a bother to anyone.
Eden B. Fernando told me, "Ano daw ta an iba, pasyente ko na, dae pa nagpapabistong Ibalon sinda?" An sabi ko man, "kulang lang yan sa communication, baka nasusupog!" "But for what? " she asked.
I'll lament if you guys would do it here. Don't hesitate to speak your minds---To be a lurker (all the time) is a disservice. It's antithetical to Ibalon's tradition. Sabi ni Fems sagkod May Magdalene mayo baga daang Ibalon na paroton!
=0=
Suportado ko an grupo sa objetong kita mag-kasararo man guiraray. Dae ko aram kun pareho an mati kan Ibalon sa grupong nagserbing gabay kan kita si'punon pa, pano pa nin duda sa satuyang pagka-tawo. Ini sana, dakulang razon kita mag-ogma. An dalan na satuyang linakawan halawig na! =0=
Andy, what you recounted when we first talked a long while in that crowded Tutuban station wells my eyes. I thought of it as an epiphany of the joys and sadness we were to deal with in the years ahead.
I was acting like a big brother to you who was a year younger than me in Ateneo. I knew then we shared tall dreams of being doctors in a place away from our parents. I had the unease and trepidation that loomed over our shoulders knowing that UP was far from a picnic.
In Tutuban were disrespectful ticket fixers, but we patiently waited. Distracting us away from boredom and from the smell of sweat om that room which almost robbed our breathe, we talked as if we were at the foot of Mount Everest. On a clearing, Andy and I marvelled at the glory of the top. Unsure of ourselves though, we asked if we had the stamina to survive UP.
Now I can say, God has been magnanimous. Andy ended up in UP College of Medicine and I, in UERM. And we have UP Ibalon, the binding tie that we all share.
=0=
Kami Minagalang..... an maogmang proyecto nin kanta sagkod barayle kan UP Concert Chorus na patronicido kan UP Ibalon.
Dae ko maling'wan an souvenir program na guinibo ko sa direksiyon ni Nestor Raneses. Siisay daw satuya an may kopya? Lingaw na ako kun ano an sinurat ko para sa ipugay an mga pamosong kantante kan UP.
Kan nagadan si Bebeth Espeso, yaon ako sa Iriga. Sa bukid na-Arnel Malaya, sa tuktok nin kahoy, nagkakan nin star-apple (may kapaslu'an ano?)
Dae tulos kami nagpa-Legaspi ni Arnel para sa mahamison na prutas ha haloy ng tagama ni Mama Puring sagkod Papa Ben, magurang ni Arnel.)
Idto palan binawi'an na nin buhay si Bebeth. Kaya pag-kaaga, dae ko maintindihan ta si Yasmin dae nag-ngi-ngirit, mayong guirong. Biernes santo kami duman sa harong na Tibo David.
Nagsentir ako na su pinili kong cover kan Kami Minagalang souvenir program, itom na retrato kan Oblation. Dae ko aram, para sa iba, paligsok palan idto!
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The UP Concert Chorus Bicol tour was supposed to be a happy event. But when the group performed at Colegio de Sta. Isabel auditorium, Ibalon's energy was at a low ebb. Nobody wanted to handle the strobe lights that Sabu Sabularse and others prepared to highlight the charged finale of the performance.
Ibalon wrongly entrusted the strobe's blinding blinks on my hands. Disaster!
I became fascinated to turn the strobes for each song I liked! Dae palan idto bagay sa kundiman! Then someone patted my back and said, "Tan'o ta pigpaparabukasan mo yan! Napo'on pa sana baga an concierto! Totie, magpundo ka daa ta para sa finale ang ilaw na iyan! Pinapa-avisohan ka ni Rey Paguio!!!" LOL!
Grabe si ngarak-ngakan na Ray Rayel, Mac Pavia, Julius y Arnel Malaya kan maaraman na ako an nagpag-kimat-kimat kan ilaw! Pulong-pulong si amigo ni Sabu na iyo an lights director.
Rey Paguio was UPCC's brilliant maestro-conductor who brought the Bikolanos songs from Bach to Bacharach. He had a flair for the music of San Pedro, Saint Saens, Vivaldi, Bernstein, Mozart plus a host of musical greats, including the originators of our local favorites like "Sinisinta kita," "Sarong Banggui," "Bayan ko,"and even that familiar Irish ditty, Londonderry Air (Danny Boy.) The pianist at that time was a prodigious talent from Albay.
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Liwat kong paguiromdom sa mga Ibalons: "Queridos amigos y amigas, tabi man, dae kita mag-alangan na magposte (lalo na an mga jovenes diyan.) Kada linyang isurat nindo, sarong burabod nin kaogmahan! "
"Gabos kita talentosong mga tawo---an luya kan saro, kusog kan iba," iyo baga an sabi kan satuyang mga magurang! An karahayan kan pakikisumaro--- iguang kitang kusog para magamit para sa kadaklan.
Dae ta tabi maling'wan: bakong para siempre (forever) an blog. Habang igua, makisabay sa dalan kan pag-iriba.
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The best part of Andy's post was on how romance bloomed on Nancy under the roving eyes of the disabled miserly Don Susano. I'm so thankful how God took care of you whom I haven't seen for so long! Ah! those blessed kids of yours! I trust they'll do well in their careers. It must be written in the genes and the stars!
I recall Nancy who used to grace some of our meetings before. Am I right she's Emily Sales' friend? I thought you guys crossed our talks when I went to Pili for the fiesta. Has Emily married? Is she still living in that ancestral home infront of the municipal hall? I recall the Sales family has a very delicious way of celebrating the town fiesta! The scrumptious leche flan, fruit salad, and lechon in that house were superb! The best ever, in Pilitown!
Would Emily still remember me? Extend my regards if you do see her. Tiyong Sesinando, her congenial dad, was a close friend of my father
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Tsk...tsk... halaba na naman! Antes de salir, Andy, salamat boy sa recuerdos buenos mo para sako (those extra-kind words that left me thinking whether I deserved them!) Bago mag-go, gusto kong ipa-abot an sakong maibong na patara-tara kinda Abet Guballa, Amy Goleta, Tess General et al. na dae ko naguiromdoman sa enot na poste!
Dios bendiga saindo gabos! Mag-ingat kita sa gubot!
TotieM
Thanks for a Great Post, Totie!
Great article, Totie! I get this feeling that after reading your article, Sharing a Narrative, prospective article contributors to this blog, myself included, may be too intimidated to put their post side by side yours. But there are stories that must be told. Anyway, I learned in Diliman that geniuses are suckers for great stories and are very tolerant of even the worst writing style. So here I am.
Bebeth Espeso is also in your list of recollection. I remember Bebeth as a 3rd (or 4th year) year BS Chemistry student. And I remember her wake and funeral at Tulay na Lupa, Labo. Even after 30 years, I still picture the face of her grieving mother as she sat beside her coffin. I could sketch her expression from memory. I'd gladly join an Ibalon project in Bebeth's name. She is part of the history of Ibalon.
Message from Boy Remo
As promised, I'm back, keeping in touch with you all. I am very pleased to know that you and UP Ibalon, are now getting together when possible. Indeed, watching your video clips bring a lot of memories back. Good seeing you - Eden, Zuyen, Joel and Mighty again. I am just perusing the videos so I have a feeling I will be seeing more familiar faces, a few more times a watch the video again. Did I say somebody gained some weight from what I remember 20 years ago ??? Just kidding !!!
Post my email address on the UP Ibalon page. I like to keep in touch with you all.
Please send those video clips to our friend Steve David. I know he is dying to hear from you all as well. I'm here in Saint Thomas, US VI on my vacation. So this is the only time I may be able to consistently reply to your emails on a timely manner.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Photo taken at Aguirangan Island during the latest visit of Boy, Oct. 20, 2007
Photo taken at Aguirangan Island during the latest visit of Boy, Oct. 20, 2007
Sharing a Narrative
WELCOME UP IBALON!
From Paglaom's ashes, rose UP Ibalon, a motley group of Bicolanos which never run out of narratives since they banded together in 1973. Thirty-five years passed, the pressure to tell their own tale was obvious when the group met in that Naga reunion this year.
Andy ignited Ibalon's interest to relive those days when we walked together in the wooded confines of Diliman---at the time when the post-pubescent catfish in the school's lagoon was jumpin' mad and the lotus blooms were starting to open! Watching the videos, I recognized the admirable effort of sharing a chronicle that must be told for Ibalon, specially for those who weren't present.
Nostalgia. That was the word.
I imagined days when we huddled together at the AS Tambayan, some 35 years past trying to figure out which shoes was good to wear in our first formal ball at UP Alumni Center. Floro Balce, in his favorite yellow Shakey's T-shirt, was almost about to give up on that tight black pairs of shoes which looked better than his dank sneakers! Boy Remo was sure it was time for Ibalon's girls to stop acting like tough (Taft) people and for the guys to be gentlemen. No wonder Julius Lecciones started wearing bellbottom pants, tall shoes and sunglasses!
I recalled Greg Forcadela targetting a pinboy's leg in his bid to win Ibalon's first bowling derby, the event he seriously prepared for at dawn's break in Molave Residence Hall. Butch Robredo got high marks in Philosophy when I squeezed time to read Kant, Machiavelli, and St. Augustine for his final exams. Mario Genio and Eden Borja helped me pass Chem 26, with a broken Florence flask well-hidden on the last day of school.
Nips Valenciano wasn't happy when I grew tired bringing Drosophila melanogaster culture bottles to our class and I sometimes succeeded in getting that thick Morrison & Boyd's Organic Chemistry book reserved in a dash from the library. Julius didn't approve of me hiding stolen "atis" to ripen in my cabinet, but he liked being paged by Butch Robredo in the Molave intercom for a free ice cream at Dilimall.
Sabu Sabularse snored with a wiggle when the weather was cold and his body was wrapped in a red blanket hewn from Bicol! I remembered Min's, Fem's, May's, Jo's and Vine's soprano as I struggled to come up with that ethereal voice for "Neath," my best-loved Christmas song that earmed Ibalon P100 at Oro's door (Elizabeth Oropesa) inspite of Eden Borja, Don Salvosa, Arnel Malaya, Gods Lanuza and Gilbert Vargas gasping for that hard "DingDongDingDong" tune that Bebeth Espeso and Susan Septimo loved.
Mario Genio didn't want to sing carols. He preferred to watch his favorite TV program--"Pulong-pulong sa Kaunlaran," an endearing joke of Gary Ceballos, Ray Rayel, and Julius Lecciones benignly hewn against him who was dead serious in becoming Iligan's top anesthesiologist.
My recall couldn't be complete without memorable Jo Prades, Analee Badiola, Fred Salva, Delen Padilla, Boro Redondo, Elsie Munoz, Jake Repomanta, Joni Cadiz, Cora Palma, Egay Rosero, Boy Oliva, Susan Septimo, Nestor Raneses, Bebeth Espeso, Allen Bonafe, Joel Cadiz, Arnel Malaya, Ona Vigil, Lani Alberto, Sherry Palencia, Fems Espinas, Divinia Nolasco, Jojo Palencia, Merle San Jose, Grace Princesa, Susan Princesa, Stephen David, Amy Hidalgo, Caring Nasol, Lily Hidalgo, Chichi Pandes, Ruby Sevilla, Asena, Yoly Reyeg, Kiks Espinas, The Dy Sisters, Sinka Balleras, Siony, and Nerissa. Did I miss a name?
Faces I would have known, voices I would have heard, and confidences I would have listened to, were all too real. I was glad to meet the new Ibalonians, just the way I wished having to cross their paths. Except for a few innocuous signs of ageing, which weren't consistent to the org's ageless persona, the group seemed focused on wholeness---Yes, Ibalonians wanted unity from the embers of the fractious Paglaom, not only for ourselves, but for the nation as well.
T'was obvious, those present in Eden's home felt cozy. Our host was gracious in that huge house brimming with elegance and hospitality. I loved the capacious cathedral ceiling under which May V. Yorobe sat. Jaze, Fatima, Totoy and a host of young Ibalons must be elated seeing Eden Borja-Fernando gave her warm welcome in that frame that brought recall of the days when she was eating only half a cup of rice and a sliver of tocino at Sampaguita.
Mighty who travelled far from Davao was an inspiration. Zuyen Tria, Zards Colambo, Totoy Badiola, and Butch Robredo were affirmations of time past and blessings gained A few inches of fat in the right places, a few wrinkles on the forehead and streaks of gray or none at all didn't make identification difficult. Those who followed us (the younger Ibalons) seemed to share our ages and our wits. They introduced themselves as if Yasmin Paje-Banzon was there to have called for a quorum!
Joel Cadiz, I kept Joni and all Ibalons in my prayers. I felt my heart jumped aflutter when you recountedyour need for colonoscopies following the demise of affable Joni.
I thought of my esteemed NPS teachers Jesus and Julia Olin when the camera focused on Jun, who was a mere atom when I was one of mom's (Miss Collada's) favorites in kindergarten.
Oh Ibalon! I could go on and on. But for now, may I ask you to share your story too? Hmmm....Andy I hope I did my part for now!
Augusto (Totie) Mesia
Astoria, New York
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