Once Upon a Time in Cayam, Naga... (album)

....a hardworking couple named Alde and Rose thought of a birthday party for their only offspring Al Rafael. The birthday happened to be also the Feast of the Three Kings so all in all it would be a good day to hold a celebration.

Then, one, dark, late night in November 2007, Rose got a call on her cell. It came from her classmate Cat, who as far as Rose knew was working and living in Manila. When asked if she was at home, Rose replied in the affirmative. The next minute, Cat and another college classmate, Erwin were waiting on their doorstep and demanded to be let inside their house that night.

Cautiously, they opened their doors, and lo and behold...not only were Erwin and Cat there, but Cat's parents too! The whole group trooped inside and what could the poor couple do but tell them that the birthday party for Al Rafael was going to be held on January 6, 2008 since Cat happened to be one of the godmothers. After promising to extend her leave during her next visit, Cat said she was going to try and contact the others of their college batch (both computer science and computer management). 

Rose blinked and said - fine, invite everyone in our class! Then she became animated and excited and asked about travel, trips, island-hopping, gimik, la-ag, lakwatsa - the whole works! 

HA HA HA HA!

So from the quick overnight trip to Alcoy with Benjie and Erwin, and that impromptu stopover at Rose and Alde's house on the way back home...the next thing we knew, plans were afoot.

Lunch: Thanks to An and her idea of an eat all you can at Patio Isabel, AnaFe and her Bong, Benjie and Rose and I had lunch that November.

Dinner: We had a hasty get-together/reunion in December with Jing and Harry, Erwin, and AnaFe and their families.

Merienda/Dinner: We attended the birthday party of A.R. on January 6. 

(I wonder - how about breakfast?)

Other classmates were as usual, not present, and again were the subject of many a conversation that night, But their absence was made up with the presence of the spouses and children of the rest of the one-time classmates.

Benjie's hubby Joy was there, even if he had not packed for his trip back to Japan early morning the next day. Their two children were well-behaved and quiet as usual.

AnaFe's hubby Bong was there, although he came from a trip to Vigan earlier that week. Their three children were present, and had a good time in the playroom.

Donabel did not drag her hubby but came with Harry and Jing and their brood of two. Donabel regaled us with her stories about working in Guangdong, China and sharing a delivery date of hers and Jing's offpsring.

There were hilarious moments when it felt like we were college studes again...scrambling for bottles of liquor to drink among the males and females, and scrambling for the cake to "take-home" plus all the other stories. The only difference was that those who had children this time, espoused going home by 10 since there were classes the next day.

Since everyone had a very fun time, naturally the question was posed: when would be the next party? 

I helpfully volunteered (much to Erwin's dismay hehehe) that as far as I knew, the February birthday celebrants were Manuel and Jasmine (Feb 1) as well as Erwin (Feb 26).

Since Manuel isn't around and we've lost contact with Jasmine, the only logical choice would be Erwin! 

Aside from Sinulog (third Sunday of January) where hopefully Peping will come to visit, Erwin can probably hold a birthday party (sa Jollibee or McDo, ha Erwin? what is this, children's party di-ay? LOL)...

As for me, I can only be responsible for a reunion if its going to be in Manila (which....LOL...will never happen in a decade or so *wink*)...so good luck guys and gals and keep me posted! Let's keep on rolling the ball.


P.S.
Other pics taken by Benjie Suan-Logon are at her site in 2 albums:

http://eslogon17.multiply.com/photos/album/18/Pic_during_Roses_son_bday

http://eslogon17.multiply.com/photos/album/17/pic_during_Roses_son

P.S. II.
Added pics of Peping and I meeting up in Glorietta last January 13, 2008 to share a drink and watch a movie.

- Jan 7, '08 2:23 PM