CCHS ’70 GRAND REUNION – PHILIPPINES MEETING MINUTES Hello batchmates! I’m so sorry for posting the minutes late. I got really busy organizing our 16-day road trip to NW US and Rocky Mountains with my siblings and spouses. I’m now back to circulation – exhausted, but otherwise in one piece and 10 lbs heavier (too much Certified Black Angus steaks… ha ha). Thanks to everyone who participated and engaged in our very lively and productive brainstorm session held during the alumni picnic in San Diego. It’s amazing that despite the background noise, we were able to hear and understand each other. Ibig sabihin, hindi pa natin kailangan ng hearing aid… Attendees include: Myself, Tess, Estela, Lerma, Erlinda, Lourdes, Rosalinda, Maxima, Virginia, Sonia, Glenn, Jose, Jessie, Cesar, Art, Agustin, Ronnie, Eddie and Rolando. It was quite a turnout – I think we had the most batch members in the picnic (19 total). We welcome newbies in our group – Maxie, Ronnie, Art and Virginia. Kudos to Batch 70 for the show of support and camaraderie – as always. The best talaga!. Nice to have met your spouses as well. A pat in the back for Tess who was instrumental to the success of the alumni picnic. Thanks a million bestie! After some serious thought and consideration, we figured that we need a two-day celebration so we can spend more time with everyone who we haven’t seen in a long time, reminisce the good old HS days, get to know each other better, and share life experiences – both past and present (siguro walang tigil na tawanan, tsikahan, tsismisan, kumustahan, tuksuhan, kuwentuhan, at kainan). I can almost imagine… tulo uhog natin sa kasayahan. Kulang daw kasi ang one day. Remember in 2011 – although it was a tremendous success, medyo bitin and reunion natin. I’m sure this time will be different. I can almost assure that this will be remembered as one of our most memorable reunion ever, and the experience will be the ultimate fun time for everyone, much like when we were in HS – a blast in the past… Sarap gunitain ng nakaraan… Plus, we’re expecting a lot more batchmates attending from the US and maybe from other countries (UK, Australia, etc.), as well as the Phil. Let’s continue our quest to find the rest of our batchmates – the more, the merrier. OK, OK, I know your excitement and anticipation are boiling over, so here’s the details of the plan… Comments and suggestions are welcome and highly encouraged. Pls. feel free to do so… 1) DATE OF EVENT: February 13-14 2016 Sorry to disappoint everyone who thought 2015 is the year of the event. This date was chosen because most of us are retiring on 2015, but some will retire at the end of the year. Being that it’s a holiday season, it’ll be too hectic for us to be planning our trips during that time – very stressful not only for us in the US, but for you guys as well in the Phil. February is only 2 months away from end of year 2015, so it’s not that long of a wait, besides, the weather would be the most desirable. Coincidentally, it happens to be the love month, so isn’t it appropriate to spend that time with the people close to our hearts – that’s you. Time flies… pretty soon, andiyan na iyan. Some of us may even stay there longer than one month being that we’re already retired by then. We’ll see… 2) VENUE/S FEB 13 (Saturday) – “A Groovy Night to Remember” -- TBD later Cornet had sent out proposals to some of us from locations at SBMA and we will review them. There are plenty of time to check out other places at SBMA. During our 2011 reunion, Felicisimo de Castro mentioned that he is a member of Subic Bay Yacht Club and that if we want to use the place he can reserve it for us. Cornet, is there a way to contact him and convey our desire to use the place? He rarely reads FB posts (understandably so), so it’s better if you contact him personally. We may even get a discount. Then you guys can physically check the interior of the place and take pictures to post here. It’s still a long way to go, but it’s better to be proactive so we can plan accordingly. I think their hotel rooms can also be booked by anyone without being a member – something to look into by some of us in the US. Features of proposed location - must haves: big flat screen TV or projector/screen, DVD/CD Player, Podium, DJ or Live band - if provided, otherwise, we can rent one. FEB 14 (Sunday) – “Valentine BeachCapade” – TBD later After a day of partying, we need a place where we can wind down and relax (ha ha.. wishful thinking). A beach resort would be ideal. Cornet and other batchmates, I’m sure you guys have recommendations – give us some idea. That place where you guys had a get-together (the resort close to the Lighthouse) looks really nice. We can have our food catered and brought to the beach. We need some estimates as to the cost. I know Cornet also sent links to some of these places, so we will also review. We would like to have a DJ / Karaoke at the beach resort - if allowed. Some of our batchmates may want to showcase their hidden talents… dancing… singing… We may also need a DI for those who have two left feet – at kinakalawang na raw ang mga tuhod ng mga boys… ha ha… 3) COST Everyone agreed that all expenses to this two-day event will be shouldered by Team USA. Our batchmates from other countries abroad may also want to chip-in (if they’re attending). We will share all the costs associated with it. Monies raised from any fundraising will be added to our fund and deducted from our share. For a start, we already have some funds collected from Estela’s jewelry sale, and I will have funds from my garage sale this year (end of August) and possibly for the next year or so. I encourage everyone to raise more money to add to the fund - be it selling cans and bottles, buying more jewelry from Estela, garage sales or anything you can think of. We have plenty of time to save up, but you have to start now. I remember Cynthia (Glenn’s wife) suggested to have 2 piggy banks - one for our airfare and one for the reunion expenses. I wonder where I can find those big piggy banks to accommodate all that money… ha ha… If anyone finds one, let me know… 4) THEME / ATTIRE: Retro ‘70s This is the fun part… it’ll be very exciting to see everyone dressed in our era’s fashion. A throwback for sure. There are so many outfits to choose from: bell bottom pants (tight-fitting), mini skirts, hot pants (tight-fitting), afros, flower or paisley prints (dress, blouse, or shirts), huge collar shirts, halter tops, muu muu hippie dress (long flowery loose dress), platform shoes (clogs) / boots, niknik (tight fitting printed disco shirts) and much much more… use your imagination. The more colorful, the better. 5) BUDGET – Team USA will discuss in future meetings how and when payments will be collected and disbursed. Here’s the list of expected/projected expenses: • Venue rentals, setup, and other related costs – including food, tax and gratuity • Deposit to reserve facility • Audio Visual equipments - if not provided by the facility (big flat screen TV or projector/screen, DVD/CD Player) • DJ or Live band • Advertisements (TV, newspaper, radio): Need cost to place ads in either one of the mentioned media outlets. We can also make contact via social or electronic media (FB, Twitter, e-mail, phone). Determine which is best to reach some of our batchmates who are unaware of our group’s existence and the upcoming reunion. For some of our FB batchmates who reside in other countries, pls. spread the word the best you can. • Souvenirs: Silkscreened shirts – to be ordered in the Phil. Baseball caps are optional for those who want them. Need cost. We also need sample design or we can create our own design. This will be used during our BeachCapade (besides your bikinis and speedos – dare to be bold). Recommended color is red, or white with red imprints, being that it’ll be Valentine’s day. • Decoration (table arrangements, place cards) - I will make place cards. • Individual name tags or buttons – I will make name tags • Banner/s – to be ordered in the Phil. - need cost. We also need sample design or we can create our own design. 6) OPTIONAL EXPENSES (if fund permits) – Team USA will discuss on future meetings or discuss on our group page. • Paid Photographer – Need estimate (for the night event only). We want to free everyone of taking pictures so they can enjoy the event. • Victory Liner bus rental for a field trip to other parts of Zambales or Manila where we can relive our HS field trips. We can bring coolers with drinks, food and snacks. Cornet already posted list of cost – we will review. Need more detailed info later. • Security for the field trip – if necessary. Need cost. • Door / Raffle prizes (or can be donated by Team USA 7) OTHER SPECIFICS • Video / Slide presentation (need photos from everyone – will discuss on group page) • ‘70’s music (DJ or live band – need to also wear ‘70’s outfit) • Venue decorations should be in the ‘70’s theme • Games (at the beach). i.e., water balloon toss, etc. / prizes. 8) OTHER TO DO LIST (suggestions from Team USA) • Visit our school / church (if time permits) • School supply donation to a couple of the poorest public schools (elementary) in Olongapo. Batch ’70 to visit the schools and present the donations. One suggestion was the school in Cabalan (Aetas). Need to look into and inquire on basic needs. Team USA will procure donations (optional). We will discuss on future meetings. • Find rental housing at SBMA for Balikbayans - daily / weekly / monthly / furnished • Trips to nearby Asian countries, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, etc. • Trips to local tourist areas (Boracay, Palawan, Baguio, Bohol, etc) • Find travel agents in the Phil. who can arrange for our trips (local and abroad). We want good package deals. 9) THEME SONG? Glenn and I are putting together a theme song for our batch. Once done, we will share it with you guys so you can get familiar with the melody and the lyrics. We will try and use a melody familiar with everyone already to make it easier to remember. LOOKING FORWARD TO ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL BATCH ’70 HS REUNION. LET’S WORK TOGETHER TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN. Team USA planning committee will be announced later. WE’LL SEE YOU GUYS SOON! As always… LYG Pls. keep all comments / suggestions on this thread only for continuity of information. Thanks!
Posted on: Sun, 25 Aug 2013 05:55:28 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015