team new york '09-'11 induction party

brooklyn - la residencia oficial del presidente, the on and off again rain could not dampen the spirit of brotherhood and camaraderie for everyone at the induction and fellowship of new officers in the new york chapter.  exchanging handshakes and hugs among brods, always a high for me, giving you that distinct feeling of a warm betan welcome. 

food was scrumptious, it was a feast for the eyes, which really builds up your appetite, filipino dishes filled the first couple's kitchen -pancit, bopis, kalderetang kambing, sisig, ginataang langka, pinakbet, menudo, tortang talong, ginataang isda and of course the lechon (paksiw/asado nung gabi) , gp's grill was perfect for the oysters, tilapia and liempo - the kicker was the sinigang na isda, perfect for the weather and that late at night soup after the drinking just before heading home, ahhh sarrrrap.

administering the oath of office, was Joe Llames UP '61, who shared valuable insights for everyone to ponder on, he arrived with members of the eastern usa chapter mostly from new jersey via the "limo van" of Franklin Gabriel USC '74. those who came to support and bond este 'makipagkulitan' with new york brods were, Mac Ocampo SBC '79C, Caloy Keyes SSC '73B, Gary Espiritu FEU '75A, RJ Azcarate SLU  '93B and federation of north america - council of elders member, Titus Morales PSBA '67. 

federation of north america - auditor, Grash Balacuit CMU '73 came with wife Jiji who later on was exchanging notes and ideas with Gerry Barranda FEU-NRMF (anong batch ni brod? anybody?) 

late in the afternoon, federation  of north america - vice president (eastern) Oca Escudero AUL '84A, driving from maryland 'kidnapped' eastern usa pioneer Buzz Serrano SBC '70 from south jersey, arrived and joined in the festivities.

we welcomed visiting brod Francis Galoso UPLB '06F who came with proud father Babes Galoso UP '69B an adviser of team new york '09-'11.  it was a sort of welcome also for newest member of the new york chapter James Bagundol SU '67 from the bronx, who was more than happy to meet all these brods, some of whom he already met during the recent philippine independence day parade in manhattan.

malmon mascot designer Wahlee Rodriguez UP '63 enjoying his glass of chivas regal on the rocks, having some good laughs with brods especially with Nilo de Leon UE 79A, c.r. courtesy of Mangie Padilla CLSU '80B from canada.  driving from connecticut to take part in the merry making, Manny Chy FEU-NRMF '01 with wife, sigma betan Cathy Chy FEU-NRMF '01 and their two kids (bawi sa gas, nanalo sa shooting).

the women, all leading ladies in their own right, lending support and understanding plus keeping the margarita's coming - Donna Francisco, Noemi Sta.Maria, Dolly Gomez, Emily Castro, Tess Quimson, Anne Asok, Malou Aludino, Jiji Balacuit, Inday Morales, Rose Madduma and first lady Esther Castro.

kids were entertained by the first couple's son Jonathan and daughter Nicole, who shared their toys and games to all the young and the restless. my little girl not to be outdone did a stunt but she's all good and fine all in one piece.

completing the cast for this "mini-ball" from the big apple are team new york '09-'11 advisers: Nonoy Bejasa SBC '67 and Rennie Castro MIT '74A, officers: GP Jun Castro MLQU '78, Vice GP-Internal James Sta.Maria DWCL '86, Vice GP-External David Gomez MSAC '76E, MOTR Rex Francisco NEC '94A, GOTC Mer Quimson GAUF '84, Chamberlain James Madduma '94B, Herald Lambert Parong TCQC '91, Wielder of the Sword Floyd Laigo BCF '92A.

we missed Wielder of the Sword Caloy Dizon MIT '04E, who went out of town with family, his dad visiting from the philippines. we sorely missed the antics of our immediate past GP Vic Villanueva FEU-Arts '77C, who had to attend to urgent family matters.

thanks to everyone who came as well as to those who did not but sent their well wishes, and those who were never the less there in spirit, the induction party was a success. this affair, a preview for things to look forward to, for the planned reunion ball on the 4th of july long weekend, here in new york next year.  cheers cheers for beta sigma.