January 22, 2004

     First a question - Jo writes "Doc, san-o mo naman i-post ang continuation sang diary man?" Answer - next column, that's before Valentine's Day.

     I really look forward to Las Vegas. I'll finally get the chance to marry Britney Spears even if it's just for 55 hours.

     That's a joke. I'm already married.

"If the meeting proves to be just a reunion with friends, classmates, acquaintances and nothing more, it's still worth all the effort." - Theophilus

     I suppose those who have confirmed their attendance to our so-called reunion are excited as well. But since this is our very first meeting, I'd like to explain several things. The most important of which is to tell you not to expect too much. But as Theophilus said in the Forum, "If the meeting proves to be just a reunion with friends, classmates, acquaintances and nothing more, it's still worth all the effort." True, indeed. Dan Garganera (94) also mentioned the term "exploratory meeting". I think it's right on the money. And if I may add, the whole Las Vegas strip is worth "exploring" too.

     Now for the important part, the behind-the-scenes, so to speak. I decided to write this here so alumni who are occasional browsers or are still in the "duha-duha" stage (and even those who have already confirmed attendance) are aware of what we are up to. And since this is my regular column, please excuse my lame attempt at humor. Gotta stick to the format, you know.

     The idea started as a shot in the dark, mention something and see if somebody responds. With the assumed number of alumni here in the U.S., one can't help but think why can't we organize or, at least, meet. If the Iloilo Maritime Academy, Tigbauan campus alumni can organize, why can't we? (Actually, there's no such organization. Please don't write me. I'm kidding.)

     The choice of Las Vegas was simple. We won't bother to provide you entertainment. The whole city can entertain you. Besides, and don't tell a lie now, 90% of your time in Las Vegas is reserved to get yourself entertained. The alumni exploratory meeting is a good excuse though, but it won't hurt if we'll make the best out of it.

     Well, since I started this and together with my "co-organizers", we are now tasked with making the best out of it.

     Or more precisely, we'll try to play the cards we are dealt with. (Pardon the Las Vegas gambling reference. It's unintentional.)

     First, the facts: There is no sponsor, and we have $0 in our bank account. Wait, we have no bank account. So whatever expenses we'll incur (I expect very minimal), we'll just pass the hat among the attendees. Or I can try my hands at a Blackjack table and hope for beginner's luck. Since the constitution and by-laws will be discussed ahead, it should be ready by then, and all we have to do is sign it for posterity's sake. See, there goes our 15-minute program.

     I talked to Dr. Lorraine del Rosario (1980) a few nights ago, who, along with her husband, Arthur, is based in Las Vegas. By the way, let me take this opportunity to thank them for all the help. Our first problem (I guess our only problem) is the place to meet. We can't reserve a place because, obviously, we'll have to base it on the number of attendees. And if we wait until days before that day, we may not be able to find a place anymore other than somewhere in the desert. We don't want anybody to end up on CSI.

     Since response is slow, and unless there'll be a deluge of responses in late March, the del Rosarios are offering their home as a place to meet. I think it's actually a very nice place to meet, talk, eat and experience genuine Ilonggo hospitality. As Arthur put it, "let's have a "kita-kita lang" very informal, kinowboy style, get together." Now, I'm already psyched up. The strip, I understand, is not that far, so after we're done with the tsismis and picture-taking part, we can go wherever we want.

     With this in mind, here's some early rules to follow:

• Leave your coat and tie at home. Come in your most comfortable attire.

• All communications will be sent via e-mail for those who confirmed and also on the Private Area of the Forum. Please register there, if ever possible.

• We certainly don't want the del Rosarios to shoulder everything when it comes to expenses, especially food. So watch out for solicitation e-mails. As I have said earlier, I expect expenses to be very minimal, less than what you'll spend on slot machines. Also, Ted's La Paz Batchoy has sent feelers that they will send a cook for us. But that hasn't been confirmed yet.

• Bring your family. This is a family affair.

• Bring your camera, digital or otherwise.

• Bring your never-before-told stories, true or otherwise. I need something to write about.

• Bring your video-camera, digital preferred.

• Above all, whatever happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.

     Since we cannot make everything public here, we encourage US-based alumni to register at our Forum.

     This site is always a good place to be updated. We'll try our best to inform everybody. The snail-mail plan is still in place. But there is no substitute for word-of-mouth.

     Over the years of writing, I have received real nice comments and e-mails and not-so-nice ones. I've been called an idiot and a fag by anonymous readers but I understand that they go with the territory. I'm a big boy. If I can give it, I can take it. Besides, the nice ones easily outnumber the nasty ones.

     I usually hold off complimentary comments for my FINAL WORD (it's another one of my lame attempts at humor) but pardon me on this one. The comment is so nice, I can't help but share it.

     And so, this week's FINAL WORD comes from Ria Borres:

     "Hello Manong! Your website is encouraging! Wordy, but I think it helped me. I am from Jaro, and presently in Texas attending RN school- finishing in 4 months. I am self-supporting and doing everything to get by, America is the big cheeze. You just have to find it and bite and never let go. I could honestly say that America has given me the opportunities, provided I stay committed and focus on the goal. Ilonggos should be proud of you!"

     Ria, I don't know about your last sentence, but one thing's for sure - your parents are certainly proud of you. Thank you for reading.

Feedback: send your comments to the author (anonymously, if you wish)

     The author's e-mail address is at drgarcia(at)wvsumedaa.com

     Views expressed on this column and any other by-lined articles on this site are the authors' own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the organization or its members.