The Association was founded in 1986 and held its constituting annual meeting on 26 April 1987 at the time of the 20th ADB Annual Meeting. At last year’s AFE Annual General Meeting in Tashkent, members decided to mark the occasion with a special function. After deliberation, it was decided to hold the affair in Manila, right after the AGM in Ha Noi. So the 25th Anniversary will be celebrated in Manila on 9-11 May.
A committee was formed to plan the event, headed by Steve Banta. Members include Executive Secretary Hans Springer, Deputy Executive Secretary Jill de Villa, Treasurer David Parker, Gam de Armas, Lou de Belen, Raquel Cabiles, Peter Darjes, Robie Espiritu, and Ofie St. Ana, with valuable inputs from Nestor Diasanta and Gunter Hecker. Able backstopping has come from office staff Jo Aquino, Beck Celzo, and Malou Magalued.
From left: David Parker, Roby Espiritu, Gam de Armas, Hans Springer, Steve Banta, Jill de Villa, Ophie Sta Ana, Raquel Cabiles, Jo Aquino
Registration will open at ADB beginning Monday, 9 May, at 6:30 AM. The celebration will kick off with a golf tournament at the Riviera Golf Club in Silang, Cavite that day. Nongolfers may go on a guided walking tour of Manila. That evening will feature a cocktail reception with entertainment at the cafeteria at headquarters. On Tuesday 10 May, alumni and their spouses/partners may tour the headquarters complex and hear presentations by staff of the Philippine Country Office and the Strategy and Policy Department. The evening will see the group moving to Manila Bay for a dinner cruise. On Wednesday 11 May, participants may visit a project of the Staff Community Fund, then attend a second cocktail reception with entertainment in the executive dining room.
Throughout the three days there will be ample time to visit with old friends and reminisce about life at ADB. To facilitate this there will be an AFE 25th anniversary lounge – actually the old library, set up with tables and chairs. Coffee and snacks will be available from three outlets.
AFE members who come to Manila may book hotels at the ADB-negotiated rates. The hotels are all within walking distance of headquarters. We can provide you with the contact information. Transportation to and from all activities outside ADB will be provided by the Association.
A survey went out to members on 23 December 2010, and a supplementary survey was sent on 23 February 2011. As of this writing, 138 members and 64 spouses/partners are planning to attend.
For additional information, write to afe-adb@adb.org.