PASASALAMAT

by Manolo Banzon

In behalf of the Christmas Party Committee, I would like to thank the UP Betan Family and guests for all such overwhelming support. Your enthusiasm, presence, efforts, and donations contributed to a very joyful and memorable party.

Allow me to mention some names to the best of my ability:

• To Irma who played a key role in the planning the affair; also to Lita, Lleva and Dutch.

• To Nong Fred and JR who emceed the program.

• To Billy Monteagudo, our Raffle chair of with Nong Fred and JR and also head judge of the "Dancing with the Betans" together with judges Bong, Emy Fajardo, Rick Velasco, Dave David and  Vic Gacusan.

• To Dave who took charge of our refreshment and special drinks and of course, our very own diva Mercy, who shared with us her unmatched singing talent.

• A very special thanks to our newly named BAND OF BROTHERS namely Ike Araneta, Babes Ignacio, Gerry Abenes, Kiko Delmondo, Vee Vera, Dutch Aragones and Rotsen Lawas; to our elder keyboardist Nilcar Hallare, and finally to our guest musicians Jess, Lani and Danny. You have provided us with beautiful music all night. You ignited  everybody to boogie, twist, line dance, chachacha and rock and roll as the night went on!

• To our So Cal brods vice GP Edsel Arceo, Nonoy Bautista and Jack Singh who travelled 500 miles and brought two bottles of JW Gold. What a gesture of love, brotherhood and support!!

Many thanks to everyone who donated gifts in cash, and in kind, and here's a random list:

• Pogs and May for the super grand prize " Magic Sing Express", won by Nanette Meneses.

• Ike and Tanya, a Panasonic Digital camera for the Name our Band Contest won by Willy Quejada.

• Gabby and (yours truly) who donated the grand prize of 2 (two) Warriors tickets won by Elaura Cademas.

• Winston and Vangie for the two basketful of goodies.

• Gene and Geny for the 18 pcs Pyrex glass donated.

• GP Bong and Aileen for the Betan calendar and dessert.

• Dutch and Wena for the framed Malmon souvenir item.

• Cecilio and Anita for a gift certificate.

• Doming and Irma for the cute Christmas tree.

• Bobby and Harlean for the 3 children’s gifts and a gift package as well as bringing the electric knife used to cut our lechon.

• Our jet setter Gilbert Basbas who came alone with his slide projector.

• And all others namely: Gerry and Lleva, Babes and Mayann, Rotsen and Marivi, Ike and Tanya, Val and Ruby, Vic and Nelly, Yay and Jin Topacio, Tatang and Tess, Cyrus, JR, Kiko, Ric Velasco, Eric and Lita, and many more who chose to remain anonymous.

• Very special thanks to our Los Banos brothers and Nong Fred, who donated the sumptous lechon, Ernie, Ric, JR, Mar, Val, Dutch, Jack. Vee, Rotsen, Nol and Johnny Salud.

We lost track of the many gifts that came later that night. I apologize for such senior moments.

Special thanks to Gene and Geny for the super effort in purchasing, arranging, and bringing the food that night, and and again to Geny and Elaura as chair of the decorations committee and for donating the centerpiece.

Likewise, to Ding and Julie for the delicious fruit salad and for transporting the lechon. To Ric who helped with food transport.

 To all the rest who came -- Titing and Cheng, who came with three generations of parent, children and grandkids, JR's family namely Jennifer and Andy, Jocelyn and Ryan, my sister Tet and hubby Rey and Babes sister Kate Ignacio, Tatang, Tess and Ria (who also sang a Christmas song for us) and their three guests.        

We missed our regulars: our Grand Old Man Narcing and Tuding, Sitong and Imelda, Willy and Desi, Louie and Mariza, Allan and Rachel, Chris L. and Joe Gomez, and those who used to join us in past Christmas parties – Bobby Gonzales and Nelson Bagamasbad. It would have been great if all of you have been with us. And thanks too to those of you here who gave a donation.

Lastly to our artists Wally Rodriguez, Jess Abrera, and Ago Romero who created and produced our Limited Souvenir Posters, a million thanks for your continued support to UP North.

We recognize, too, our former leaders who have made us what we are today. To all of you, our deepest appreciation.

A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR TO ALL and GOD BLESS!

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