The Nueva Ecija Jaunt

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The tour of the LAC farm in Nueva Ecija was set on a Friday (February 26). Being a working day, most of the Triple A group (TA group) just could not make it. Some had acceptable reasons for not going to this rare excursion for the group. Yes, I said only some had acceptable reasons considering all the hard work that Celia did in organizing the trip to include the TA. (The absentees are not getting off that easy – after all didn't the TA agree that life is too short to pass over opportunities with true friends, hehehe...).

Sonny Vicente, Cora Claudio, Oni Mayo (who brought along friend Bambi Goco) and of course, Celia Aurellano of the Triple A went on the exotic trip. The BPI officials (bankers of Pascual Lab) headed by Bonnie Silva and Choy Villaluz were there of course - them being the main reason for the trip. Altogether, the group had fun exchanging information and stories with each other that the three hour car trip to NE passed by quickly.










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Arriving at the destination before lunch, the LAC farm was a revelation. The admin and plant area was actually looking like a botanical resort. Stylized native structures, refreshing pools and plants on display were everywhere. The field plantations actually included a man-made pond where people can ride a raft. Apart from their advocacy for all things organic, the LAC officials believe in TQM and so the physical appearance and convenience of the place was just great for tourists or observers.










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The tour was aptly facilitated by no less than LAC president and Pascual lab VP Jun Saret. The UP agri grad and farm manager Andy Parducho provided the technicals of the tour. The reception included a costumed reception committee, native dances and refreshment. An AV Presentation made in one of the buildings explained the LAC set up to the inquisitive group. Afterwards, the plantation tour started and the group was taken in a dozer-pulled rolling platform to view the fields where the lagundi, sambong, ampalaya and other vegetables and herbs were grown.

The Pilipino lunch (Nueva Ecija style) was held in a screened native structure made for dining events and where the served sinigang, fish, meat and fruit dishes were a treat. After the fine lunch, a tour of the processing facility and the ‘clean’ livestock pens (including bred Baboy Ramo) were made. Since the weather was just too hot and humid, the next program in the agenda was a welcome event. It was the Lagundi-taste test activity where everyone was given four cold glasses of different Lagundi juice mix and were required to select what’s best.










Soon, it was time to go home but not before the group converged in the packing hall to buy organically grown vegetables including the LAC vinegar product highly recommended by Bambi. Overall, it was an enjoyable and informative trip for those who went. Despite the presence of non-TA people and especially because of the long time in the car, the TA group present amused themselves with chika concerning those TA who were not there (to defend themselves). But that’s what they get for being absent. Come to think of it, we were even talking about Cora and she was already there with us!
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The Long Awaited AAA Party

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Last January 26, the Ayayay bunch got together at Tito’s digs in Corinthian Village. The party was actually the conclusion of a series of events starting with Cora’s untiring urgings for a group excursion, Tony’s aborted Birthday invitation in November, the snubbed Ayayay Christmas get-together happening – until finally it became a reality because of Tito’s relentless reminders regarding his birthday party. But even at that, the party was slightly off-timing since Tito’s birthday is in December. As a matter of fact, the party day was closer to the birthdays of Temay and Oni in January!

Apparently, the Ayayay group remains active players in Manila’s business scene. Despite being Senior in category, many Ayayay members are top executives with very busy schedules. Getting them together is a challenge that would take great organizational skills. Thanks to Celia and Tito for that – they were the lynch pins that provided the references, agenda and the all-important venue for the party. As for Tony and Oni, they were true to form with their acerbic kind of humor and contributed to the cause by cajoling (if not shaming) the group into coming.

Up to the last minute it wasn’t clear how many were coming. Qualifications on their attendance were sent by many. Mon Soriano begged off citing vague medical reasons which Oni claims is hogwash. Ang masamang damo ay walang panghi-hina! And then, some didn’t reply at all to the Email invite sent out by Celia. Tito’s set table by the poolside was thus earmarked for 10 people. The dinner started at around 8pm sans Cora who is always late for parties due to her radio talk-show program (now TV too). A miscue became apparent when Cora came and found no more place for her in the table setting.

Quickly, Tito pulled up a chair beside him at the head of the table. Ever the gentleman Tito said that he really wanted Cora to sit beside him in a place of honor (which we all knew is another hogwash). At last the table places were complete and interesting conversation that only Ayayay can dish out was . . well . . dished out over gulps of succulent dishes for the night. Lydia’s prawns prepared two ways and the other dishes brought by the gang were a hit. The coup de grace was Tony’s $200 Dom Perignon toasting at the end of the meal.

The conversation got serious for a while when an informal poll concerning the Philippine presidentiables was held by the group. All I can say is that the Ayayay vote turned out to be a reflection of the findings of the SWS polls. The political differences were delightfully ventilated with passion by the Ayayay members – truly a hallmark of their Boomer generation. Should the choice be: heart over mind? country over self? naivete over propensity? and purity over track record? But we knew that in the end, politics is a never ending issue. Hence, an enjoyable change was when the conversation drifted to lighter matters. As usual, the widowed Noni was chided by Tony for continuing to enjoy his singleness. Poor Noni can only mumble that he couldn’t find a partner at the moment to which Tony riposted: “kung saan-saan ka pa tumitingin e marami naman dito sa mesang ito!”

Amidst flowing wine and sinful desserts, the late evening became a Karaoke session with Noni delivering Tagalog love songs perfectly enunciation (as if he were not from Bohol). Ruben could not find his 60s songs in the Karaoke list so Oni used his trusty guitar to accompany him later. The party broke up only when the workday fatigue caught up with the group (who had to live and fight again the next working day). And still people left only after distributing (and exchanging) gifts galore among and between themselves.

Like the true organizer that she is, Celia posed the next event for Ayayay which could be an excursion to Pascual Laboratory’s company farm in Nueva Ecija. For the umpteenth time, Oni also promised to look into that music session practice activity so that there will be decent harmonizing and guitar-playing for the group every time they get together and have the time to sing. Let’s wait for the details on these events and once again patronize what clearly are the real better things in life.

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JULY BIRTHDAY CELEBRANTS

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The Triple A gang took the opportunity to get together once more. After a long time and after a series of email notices regarding Triple A July Birthday celebs, the date for a joint birthday celebration was set for July 21 at Chit Manabat's digs. Thanks to Chit who hosted the party and to Celia Aurellano with her infallible record of everyone's birthday dates.

Chit's flat is a large 3-bedroom unit in Lafayette Building conveniently located in Salcedo Village. It was the first time for most of the Triple A's to see Chit's Makati unit where she stays during weekdays. It is known that Chit really lives in Binan with her sisters. The party fare was a feast prepared by Chit's pamangkin chefs who stay with her in the flat. She is proud of these youngsters who have actually gone through culinary schools in Australia.

Two tables were set for the party, but the Triple A gang kept things cozy by squeezing together around one table. The usually late Cora Claudio actually had no more place in the table when she arrived, but nothing is impossible for this MBA group. The round table setting was conducive to conversation where exciting topics were ultimately taken up. These included Cora's planned transfer to her new flat in Pasig, Tony Sotelo's fear of high buildings, Lydia Echauz's reconfigured lot for her house in San Juan and Chit's real estate and other investments.

Then there were the juicy topics. These actually started when Lydia brought up Cheche Lazaro's recent TV show about adult preferences. Thus, the animated conversation started up with the topic of: sexually active personalities, then Seniors getting hitched again . . then tra-la, Hayden Kho and Viki Belo in that order! Noni Dolera shocked the group when he explicitly recounted his experiences with his friend, a notorious sexual predator from Mindanao. Leave it to Noni to associate with all kinds. Meanwhile, Oni Mayo seemed to have created an impression of sorts with the group when he admitted to all that he had actually sought out and viewed the Hayden Videos.

Tony was in denial about seeing the Hayden Video until he couldn't help it and confirmed scenes portrayed in the famous Video. In contrast, Temay Padero raptly listened to all the graphic details by the insensitive story tellers in the group, but again, I suspect she knew more about the Hayden case than what she was posturing to know. Sonny Vicente arrived at 5PM I think, but he just came and went since he had another engagement to attend to. (I wonder what he knows about the Videos.) And then there was Leslie Alvarillo, a new face in the group whom I understand to be a former comptroller of Shell until he was pirated by another company. Leslie is also an alumni of Ateneo Faura and is a classmate of Chit, Celia and Lydia.

At last, it was time to go. According to Chit, the other residents in the building were diplomats and big businessmen and the group was starting to get rowdy especially in the corridor of the condo. Some of the gang showed their appreciation for the food prepared by Chit by 'taking out' what's left of the goodies on the buffet table. It was a fun gathering that was a welcome change to Metro Manila's stressful environment for the Triple A's.

Happy Birthday to the celebrants, Chit, Temay and Noni. I understand it's also Ruben's birthday but he was unavailable. I believe the penalty for non-participation in the group blowout is a solo blow out celebration for the Triple A when it is opportune. Do you hear, Ruben?
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MID-YEAR PARTY AT LYDIA'S

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Last May 8, the Ayayay group reformed anew. The hard core Ayayay members consisting of Celia Aurellano, Temay Padero, Noni Dolera, Tito Legasto, Tony Sotelo, Sonny Vicente and Oni Mayo invaded the privacy and quiet of Lydia Echauz's elegant digs and were all there by 7pm. If you notice, this hard core line up is not complete. Who is missing? The dramatic Cora Claudio, of course. As usual, she made her grand entrance after everyone had started eating. Give it Cora for taking on crusade after crusade that occupies her time.

Hungry for a get-together after a long time, a sophisticated plot was woven by Celia just so that the party will happen. This plot involved the supposed retirement of Tito from his company - an event that merited having a party for the group. Everyone knew about the retirement except of course, Tito. Lydia's sumptuous prawns, lengua and salad were complemented by the contribution of others. Noni's humongous papaya mango was a hit. Tito was trying to get everybody drunk with vintage red wine. Oni's appetizer from Santi's was anti-climatic as he arrived late even at 7pm.

Table conversation consisted of the saga of Cora's new house, to Oni's US trip the next day, and let's not forget the backtalk about those that didn't make it to the party. Hear that, Chit, Ruben, Mon? An interesting topic was the issue of what is considered big money today. Lydia said P1B while Tito and Tony settled for P100M. Now we have an indication on why men are more harassed than women - there's more expectations from them! After dinner, Tony and Oni brought out their fancy guitars and the chorus concert started. Tony started it with his baritone rendering of oldies in his songbook. The sequence seemed mainly for Lydia as Tony ultimately did the Beatles tune "Hey Jude". Later Oni brought out his array of Minus Ones where Lydia was visibly beaming this time. It turned out that she was enjoying one of the songs. This was Cherish, a 60's number that brought back memories for her. Capping the show was patikim from Oni of his compositions from his songwriting hobby. Oni had wanted the group to experience his music before he became famous daw!

And then it was time to leave with Celia pondering whose retirement it will be this time to justify the next party. Or maybe it will be another esoteric reason about somebody else.

AYAYAY SINGS POP

Last January 28, Oni Mayo invited the Ayayays for a night out since it was his Birthday. From the elegant birthday dinners the group usually have, they had something different that night. They went to the RED BOX karaoke place in Greenbelt. Those that were hungry had to do with the simple buffet that was there. Lydia Echaus had a craving for peanuts and there was none in the menu. The room attendant received an earful from the hard-nosed executives in the party. There is no excuse for a decent restaurant not to have the basic peanut appetizer.

Tony Sotelo disappeared but came back soon enough with a bag full of chichiriya including Lydia's craving. A denizen of Makati commercial center, Tony knew the Greenbelt layout so he went to the movie house area to secure the goodies. Being the shrewed bargainer that he is, he also intimidated the attendant. He declared that outsourced food should have no corkage charges since the resto is remiss for not having peanuts.



Despite this initial inconvenience, the rest of the night was for the singers in the group. Noni Dolera started the show with his Diomedes version of Somewhere Over the Rainbow. Cora Claudio raised goose bumps (and eyebrows) with her coloratura version of the same song. As the Cliff Richard and Jack Jones numbers kicked in, Tony Sotelo and Tito Legasto contributed to the music. And then it was the Broadway and Elvis tunes on the Karaoke system. By this time, these familiar tunes coming out of the speakers had everyone - Lydia, Chit Manabat, Temay Padero, Sonny Vicente and Celia Aureliano - taking turns (or altogether in harmony) crooning on the mic.

By about 10:30 pm, things were getting hot (and hoarse?). it was too bad that Celia had to pull a Cinderella. She was being serviced by a borrowed driver and had to leave. The group broke up then but not before flashing their Senior Cards that enabled Oni to get a hefty discount on the bill. Overall, the group seemingly gladly participated in the singing. It is hoped that they will now be familiar with karaoke procedures for the next time they do this. For now, until next time and thanks again for coming to the party and for the gifts.

THE DELAYED NOVEMBER PARTY

In December, Tony Sotelo invited the Ayayay gang to a dinner party at Philam’s Tower Club. It was some three weeks after his actual birthday last month, but it didn’t matter. Everyone knew that Tony had been busy in the office mitigating the fallout from that now notorious Wall Street global miscue, and thus it was only in December that he could invite the Ayayay gang to celebrate.

The Pinot function room at the Tower Club was elegant. The food that eventually came was great. There were too many waiters standing around for our small group but I guess they were making sure that Philam honcho Tony remains pleased. Notwithstanding, the Ayayay group relished the service as they were pampered with the food array if not the free-flowing wine.

The talk over dinner was the prospective activities that the gang might take up in the coming months. The suggestions ranged from bird watching (Cora Claudio); formation of a singing ensemble (Oni Mayo); Detox ionization (Lydia Echaus); excursion to Bulacan Pig Farm (Mon Soriano) and including the cruise tour broached by Chit Manabat previously. The suggestion of Tony Sotelo for forming an exclusive Osmosis Club was met with perplexed looks by most around the table. Apparently, only two people who happened to arrive early for the party had a chance to discuss it with Tony. The fact that all three who initially discussed the Osmosis thing are male gives an indication of what the nature of the Club could be. Whatever it is, Ruben de Lara wants a piece of it.

The four-plate dinner was satisfying and which ended with kodakan and distribution of gifts. Corporate give-aways were delightful to receive. The highlight of the gift-giving was the novelty birthday gifts to Tony by Celia Aurellano and Temay Padero. Tony was forced by Celia to immediately try out the head massager. Meanwhile, the printed T-shirt had to be returned. Clearly Temay needs some experience in sizing up a man!

But all’s well that ends well. More Kodakan were endured all the way to the elevators. Cora would not budge until she had a shot beside the Christmas Tree in the Philam lobby. And so, Happy Birthday to Tony from the Ayayay group! And to the group: Hasta la vista el ano que viene!