A Real Good Time at Napa R-Ranch
by Johnny Regadio '66

It was towards the end of summer when a large group of U.P. Betans and their families from Northern California trooped to a mountain ranch in Napa. The ranch is co-owned by Brod Louie Cabaluna and myself. We spent two days and one night enjoying the superb facilities and amenities the ranch could offer.

Those who came for the first time were impressed because this is not just an ordinary ranch, but also a resort. Nobody, except by their own choice, had to pitch a tent or sleep on the ground. Each family slept inside a comfortable cabin. We used the homey Ranch house for group activities. The campers enjoyed other recreational facilities available like the lodge, big swimming pool, pool tables, tennis court, volleyball court, basketball court, teen center, arcade, horseback riding, and a playground for small kids, and trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding.

The affair was very well attended. The largest delegation came from Brod Fred Aquino, followed by the families of Val and Ruby Palattao, Allan and Raquel Torneros, Boy and Irma Ramos, Kiko Delmendo, Cesar and Nina Antonio, Narcing and Tuding Lapus and Gabby and MaryAnn Moraleda, who came over to rehearse with the cast of the Christmas musical play. I also brought my lovely wife Beth, two children and our grandson, Julian.

Other inseparable lovebirds who came in include Willie and Tess Vergara, Ike and Tanya Araneta, Eric and Lita Punzalan, and Sitong and Imelda Cabaluna. Inseparable father and son duo Billy and Joe Monteagudo arrived with a large lechon that Brod Narcing Lapuz and the Chapter shouldered. Brod Danny Dagdag ’71, a widower with 2 kids, came to join the UP North for the first time.

We had a fun-filled evening. Brod Narcing blew his 74th birthday candle followed by drinking, singing and dancing. Others viewed our wedding video. Brod Willie showed a slide presentation entitled "London By Night and Day." Others holed up inside a cabin and sang till the wee hours of the morning.

Breakfast at the Ranch house was followed by dancing for a morning exercise. My daughter, Jennifer, conducted a seminar on basic photography and with a photo exhibit that featured her shots she took in the Philippines, and sports and glamour photos.

Everyone had a delightful moment of reinforcing our common bond of brotherhood through stories, jokes, talents, and sumptuous food prepared by the Betan ladies. The camping experience was another opportunity to connect and know each other well as one fraternal family.

And now take note. This year, the Chapter has already planned for the next camping on October 6 and 7 at the ranch. This will be a much bigger event as we celebrate the 75th birthday of Brod Narcing as well as the 25th wedding anniversary of Brod Boy and Irma Ramos and Brod Cesar and Nina Antonio. There will be more fun activities and what say you, a live band in this mountain resort! The lodge and the ranch house are already reserved for us. Everyone is enjoined to make an early reservation by contacting me through phone (916) 875-9832 or e-mail (JPR7198@aol.com). First come first served!