The AFE–ADB New York–New Jersey Chapter held its 2009 reunion, with 85 former ADB staff and friends attending. The reunion was held on 24 October at the Royal Regency Hotel in Yonkers.
Despite the heavy rain, the party was well attended, and included friends all the way from Manila and the Hague, plus Chicago, Los Angeles, and the Washington DC area. Special guest, His Excellency Ambassador Hilario Davide, Jr., spoke enthusiastically of the longstanding relationship between the Philippines and ADB. He mentioned especially the ADB-supported technical assistance for the Action Program for Judicial Reform. Ambassador Davide is the Permanent Representative of the Republic of the Philippines to the United Nations. Executive Secretary Hans-Juergen Springer, together with his lovely wife, Elizabeth, also graced the occasion. Hans provided an update on AFE’s latest activities and invited us to the 2010 annual meeting to be held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Sitting (L–R): Ruth Esmilio, Lulu Marzan, Emma Dumalag, Nannette Guinto Amorado (2009 Chairperson), H.E. Ambassador Hilario Davide, Jr., Liz Springer, Hans-Juergen Springer.
Standing (L–R): Ditas Miranda, Lysa Manguiat, Totie Torellino, Lorna del Rosario, Cel Argayoso, Thelma Altiveros, Carmelita Banting, Margie Baccay, Precy Lizarondo, Medy Hain, Jo Yabes-Smith, Mia Jose, Nena Villena-Tanedo, Elenita Mignini, Dina Villaluz, Helen Veloso, Cholly Mauricio, Tita Acupanda, Winnie Francisco, Mila Simolde, Ellen Dee, Chato O’Buckley, Oscar Colmenar. Not in photo: Annie Yacub-Romero, Florie Flores, Wilma Buenaobra, Raffy Buenaobra, Tina Aquino, Chat Cortes, Florence Rafulowitz.
The evening was another great opportunity to renew friendship. Apart from the never-ending greetings, we enjoyed nonstop dancing on a large dance floor and exciting dancing music! We held a musical chairs game, where selected men (who were supposed to have no heart problem or arthritis) were the chairs and women fought to stay in the game for as long as they could. Some men had to be booted out, reluctantly. There was also a beauty pageantcum- parade of nations, where the best-dressed Miss Egypt won hands down. Two shared their gift of music—Helen Veloso and Rhona Mae Amorado—and entertained the crowd with their beautiful voices. The hotel food was sumptuous and more than enough for everyone. Wine and other drinks were overflowing.
Each former ADB staff member received a little take-home gift and colorful souvenir journal. Some lucky people won cash in the 30/70 raffle and others got consolation prizes. Upon seeing the impact of Typhoon Ondoy on TV, I converted the usual 50/50 party raffle into a 30/70 raffle, with 70% of the collections to be donated to the typhoon victims. A number of ex-ADB staff members generously responded to the call for donations! A good sum—$2,545, including post-party additions—was turned over to AFE and ABS–CBN Foundation, Inc. This gave everyone (including those who could not come to the party and non-former-ADB staff, but friends of the Philippines) a sense of fulfillment, having helped unfortunate Filipino flood victims one way or the other. This, after all, is what ADB stands for, as the prime development bank in the Asia and Pacific region, always ready to help humanity and alleviate poverty.
Thanks to all who helped make the event a success, especially Emma Dumalag; Ruth Esmilio; and, of course, Chato Ledonio O'Buckley, the energetic emcee, who pulled everything together so smoothly. Next year’s reunion will be under the able hands of Elenita Mignini.