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Meet the Betans from Honolulu by Gabby Moraleda 68b
Oahu boasts of spectacular places and events. First and foremost is it has Honolulu – the most popular destination of first time tourists to Hawaii -- where the sunsets are awesome, the beaches are pristine and 101 other inexpensive things to experience in the island. One can take a stroll in Waikiki and enjoy the sights of the city while barefoot and in your shorts. It is alive at night where there shopping is an everyday activity. Or one can take a hike in the Diamond Head crater – a dormant volcano just a short drive from Waikiki. Or you can visit the Pearl Harbor Museum and pay tribute to the soldiers that gave their lives for freedom. Or you can take a 45 minute drive and tour the world famous Dole Plantation and learn about pineapples. Or take another 20 minutes drive north and visit the North Shore (beaches) – a favorite of amateur and professional surfers worldwide.
Yes these are a few simple things you can do or see in Oahu. To us Betans there is more because we can meet (long-lost) Betans who have made Oahu their home.
First in the list is brod Yay Topacio – General Manager of the Waikele Premium Outlets in Waipahu. Yay, to us from Northern California, manages the facility that houses brand names such as Coach, Nine West, Off Saks 5th Ave to name a few. He was reassigned from the Folsom, CA property. He is doing quite well (of course expected from a Betan) and he has ambitious plans to expand the outlets and add top brand names. Be sure to ask for discount coupons before you shop.
Then there is Forestry brod Orlino Ancheta who has graced our Grand Reunion last May and the Labor Day “Siyatol” fratball. Orlino has a construction company and does a build and sell of houses. In spite of the economic downturn he says “business is great”. He has just completed a 7-room house ready for resale. Golf aficionados – be sure to call him if you want to pay “island” rate for your round of golf. He shoots in the 90’s.
Meet the next brod – Loreto Biete, batch 71a Forestry. Would you believe Loreto is with the Armed Forces as a registered nurse. Loreto who worked in Naga as a forester did a career change midway in his life to provide for the family. He is eager to renew his contact with us, especially the Forestry brods. Paging Rick Velasco and Johnny Regadio.
Next is brod Chris Geronimo, batch 79 of Divine World College in Laoag. Chris works as a heavy equipment operator. A hard worker but always ready to meet us and extend the Hawaiian hospitality to brods that come to the island.
Last but not least is long-lost Jose “Bong” Jamir. It has been 37 years since I last saw him. Bong, a UP Prep graduate and now a grandfather, is a Logistics Specialist working for the Defense Supply Center. He is involved with Logistics Supply for relief operations undertaken by the US in the Pacific Region. He was involved in the Samoa earthquake and Typhoon Ondoy relief operations. He spends a lot of time travelling where work leads him but he is always available for a brod. Welcome to the fold Bong.
So these are are the Betans in Honolulu. If plans push through they plan to host a Betan Golf Tournament – similar to the PGA Sony Open sometime next year. Calling Betans from Manila and the US: let us meet halfway in the Pacific and trek to paradise and have fellowship – a time to relax and enjoy. Bring your love ones. What say you?
l-r: Yay Topacio, Gabby Moraleda, Orlino Ancheta, Bong Jamir.
Standing: Yay Topacio, Chris Geronimo, Lori Biete, Bong Jamir. Seated: Gabby Moraleda, Orlino Ancheta.
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