It was barely three hours more to the much-awaited get-together celebration and yet the executive dining room (EDR), where the big night’s party, cum “reunion” of the Bank’s retirees would take place, was already teeming with participants. Early comers Ophie Sta. Ana, Rosie Luistro, Liza Vitangcol, Babygirl Cruz, and Annie Romero decided to take their lunch there to avoid the hassle of traffic late in the afternoon.
Usual sight and sound: excited motley crowd -- hand shakes, hugs and smacks and kisses, laughter, picture taking, story-telling, table-hopping, happy conversations with “long-time-no-see-friends.” A few arrived from abroad just to witness and be part of the night’s celebration
To make up for the absence of a band, a technician played videos of live musical performances of the popular Beattles, the Ventures, the BeeGees, and other internationally known bands that featured old hit songs and guitar renditions
To the obvious surprise and delight of the attendees, black-and-white pictures of ADBians taken in the early years of the Bank and relatively new colored pictures were flashed on the screen. “You looked trim in that picture”, one lady staff commented to her seatmate. Giggles and amusing remarks could be heard as members looked entertained and at times unbelieving as pictures were flashed on the screen. One shot showed a lady staff sporting a pageboy hairdo, charming in her mini skirt, and standing beside a dashing young man in formal attire
Then it was time for co-emcees Julie Guevarra and Danny M.to formally open the year-end celebration by calling on Benny Serafica for the invocation. Gam de Armas, Country Coordinator (Philippine chapter) delivered his brief welcome address. The event turned a bit dramatic when, in the midst of Gam’s talk, Andy Eugenio, in a wheelchair pushed by a lady/friend caregiver, suddenly entered the room, prompting Gam to pause and say, “Welcome, Andy!.” And a heart-warming and touching applause from the appreciating crowd ensued as all looked at Andy. Despite Andy’s limited mobility, owing to his stroke, he showed up and was warmly welcomed by the admiring crowd. As Gam spoke, a survey form was distributed to gauge the members’ opinion on various topics such as: 1) having more area groups; 2) adding interest groups such as cooking and sports; 3) having more activities such as summer picnic; and 4) use of the coming AFE-ADB website.
Jill Gale de Villa, recently elected as the first Deputy Executive Secretary of AFE-ADB, read the message of the new Executive Secretary, Hans Springer, who had to rush back to Germany to be with his ailing mother. The emcees acknowledged the year’s get-together committee that managed the night’s program: Penny Laquindanum, Odette Reyes, Julie Guevarra, and Peter Aguilar.
The South Group was called and regaled the audience with their dance interpretation of cha-cha, choreographed by Beth Cabuay, to the tune of Sway. The “Dancing Belles“ mesmerized the crowd with their gracefulness and synchronized foot and body movements. The smiling performers were Tek Ablaza, Yoly Asuncion, Carmen
Bontia, Beth Cabuay, Lina Cadorniga, Lou de Belen, Raquel de Leon, Lorna Esguerra, Lita Gamboa, Rosie Luistro, Zeny Tomelden, and Liza Vitangcol. “More,” clamored the audience while giving the dancers a much-deserved long applause.
Prizes donated by generous members and others bought by the committee were raffled off in between the program numbers eliciting ‘ooohs’ and ‘ahs’ from all especially from the jubilant winners
The Committee members and friends provided a ‘special treat’ with their fantastic and colorful presentation of the Philippine Chapter’s version of a human puppet show (inspired by the recent movie “Mama Mia”) conceptualized and directed by Penny with ABBA’s hit song “Dancing Queen” playing in the background. The performers (Penny L., Odette Reyes, and Peter Aguilar) wore colorful wigs and appropriate make-up making it difficult for the spectators to recognize them. Behind them doing the synchronized hand and foot movements were Noli Alimon, Pines Ngini, and Marie Galura. Cameras clicked continuously even as the audience came closer for a better shot. The puppet show was superb and so entertaining that it received the loudest applause. It was easily the most photographed number.
Josie Cataluna appeared in her khaki shorts with a piece of linen cloth wrapped around her waist as she belted out Lina Turner’s “I Will Survive” and other hit songs of the 80’s as the attendees enjoyed their sumptuous Chinese dinner.
Indoor games, like group pet sounds (won by Roby Espiritu and Nieves Callanta) and one copied from a noontime TV show “Hep,Hep, Hooray” (won by BJ Elizaga) were played by unwilling volunteers to the delight and amusement of the audience. Thanks to emcee Julie who coaxed everyone into action.
At nine, dance Instructor (DI) Bebel started the line dancing and soon everybody led by Vivs Quiroz stood up from their seats, went to the dance floor and stretched their legs to do the ever popular LA walk to the beat of “Achy, Breaky Heart”. As livelier music was played, more joined the line dancing. While many danced gracefully and executed the right steps on time, a few crossed their feet and almost lost balance. They just laughed it off and continued to dance with gusto.
But then, each time somebody would focus a camera on a group, many would rush to where the subjects stood and would try to squeeze themselves with the ‘original’ group, making it difficult for the photographer to adjust his lens to include everyone in the ever-enlarging frame. After the “shooting” the dancers would get back to the dance floor and follow the still smiling and patient DI. This scenario would be repeated many times. It was incredible!!!
When the partygoers were spent, Gam announced the next year’s committee would comprise Lita Gamboa, Rosie Luistro, and Ophie Sta. Ana of the South Group.
At half past ten, the reunion was over and attendees left the EDR, tired but very happy.