Originally, I also wanted to join this class reunion among batch '81members of Rizal Academy, although I belong to class '58 which is quite a few years away. But Albert Manuel one of the participants is my God son and his dad Rudy is one of my best friends in Asingan and here in Toronto. Besides, I never have been in Vegas and I heard many exciting news about this part of the USA.. Words, they say, would never fully describe Las Vegas so it pays to be there in person and soak in the sights...So I phoned Albert Thursday night ( a few days after his return to Toronto to give him a chance to catch a few hours of sleep ) and I was able to pump out a few stories re: his few days stay in Vegas which he described as a "very happy " event..It is just a prelude to a bigger, better reunion this time to be held in Asingan on Dec. 16, 2006..Will be able to make it this time?..WE WILL SEE...( I am crossing my fingers behind my back )
"So what happened in Vegas?"
"Oh we had a grand time, talking about the old days, and trying to catch up.." he said..Well, I remember also the time when I visited Asingan after 12 years and I teamed up with Rudy Manuel, Albert's dad ( my kumpare). Yes, there is so much to talk about and so little time to do it...
Well according to Albert, only the following made it: Alma Balangue Chew, Jackie Pagaduan Lee, Noel Manansala and their adviser Julie Delmendo made it. Later on he said, Fernando Ong the son of Emmie ( I wonder if I spelled the name right ) joined them too. Also Jun Jun Luga, Eric Mauricio and Norberto Tagarino..Upon arrival on that Fridayafternoon, all of them gathered in the residence of Bert Delmendo, the elder brother of Julie. They had a good time ( and a good supper ) in his huge house because he was a good cook..My, my food is always a magic word to me. Good food, good conversation, drinks, plus live music ( Albert said Julie is still a good singer ) what more can one ask?
They split afterwards going individual ways and Albert went to the California Hotel where they were booked until Sunday, April 2nd. Yes, they went to play Casino..Yes, somebody won: Julie. She got $80.00 which is not bad. The most I won in Reno one time is $20 but then, I am not really the gambling type. They went to see Ceasar's Palace where Celine Dion is tied up to a contract. No, they did not watch her show. One ticket cost as high as 200$..But on the smaller clubs, there is a Celine Dion look alike and she also is a sound-alike and the show cost only 30$..And you can even have a picture taken with her! Plus there are countless Elvis impersonators and these are better looking than the original! Another attraction, he said, are the shops displaying the brand names of clothes and bags and shoes..These must be for the shopaholics..And the prices are not cheap. But hey, you can always say it with pride that you bought them in Vegas!
Ceasar's Palace is gorgeous, he said. The roof inside the joint is as bright as daylight, with a realistic looking sky and floating clouds. There were also statues of Romans, then the Trojan Horse plus the winged horse Pegasus. Yes, Vegas is one city which never sleeps. Forget New York, Vegas is the place to be!
Well, there is going to be a class reunion batch '81 on December 16, this year. Julie said its going to be held in the Delmendo Cable Social hall, the same place I visited December 2003. There will be socials, of course and I believe it is going to be something to remember. There will be an Asingan group to take care of the reservations, food, preparations and other stuff like that! I am sure the affair is going to be a BLAST! So batch '81 people, BE THERE!---#
addendum: Photos will be published here as soon as I receive them in my e-mail..
No comments:
Post a Comment