Sunday, February 7, 2010




Batch 92: Here we go again

TWO familiar faces joined the self-proclaimed Fab Four, who started the series of get togethers for Judge Juan Luna’s Batch 92 in the Year of the Tiger.

One of them, a former cadet officer for his high school’s alma matter, barely showed signs of aging, while the other one presented a new, bombastic look.

Meng Garcia, better known as Batcom or Battalion Commander, showed up his lean frame, boyish look and respectful aura that made him as one of the most feared voices – and endearing personality among ladies -- during the school’s cadet formation of Class 91-92.






Floren Andres presented his new figure. Now heavier not only due to his unwanted pounds but in terms of responsibilities as well, the son of a retired teacher provided his bright spot – a bald image -- that symbolizes the years of hard work he had endured from being a dutiful son, a diligent student and a devoted employee.

No wonder, he still remains a certified bachelor.

They were present one humid Saturday afternoon at their favorite spot – Jollibee Munoz. Minutes later, they were joined by two cornerstones of the WBCJ – Lt. Christopher Cruz and beverage company manager Benjo de Leon and yours truly.

Together, we visited another ex-Rizalian, Renato Laurente -- not related to Arnold Laurente, husband of the former Kaye Sanchez -- who was at the nearby telecom repair shop. With several cellphone units lined up to be repaired at that time, Renato could only offer a promise he would join us later on, which unfortunately never happened.

On board an early 90s model of maroon Kia Pride, Memeng did the honors of driving us from the tiring stretch of Congressional, to the trafficking Batasan all the way to Marikina.

Over at that green gate was Bobot Ramos’ resident.

It was business as usual for a Saturday for Bobot, who simply couldn’t say no to his long-lost friends he hadn’t seen for many years, except of course for the three of us – me, Lt. Cruz and Benjo, who just invaded the multi-million auto shop company just months back.

Just a simple greetings and shaking of hands keep us all warmed up until the proud host invited everyone for a merienda nearby. We picked Chowking over Jollibee because the choices were pretty obvious – that we’re no kids anymore and aren’t fascinated as well by a playing area inside.

Aside from getting the wrong set of orders – me getting a bola-bola rather than asado siopao and Floren receiving vice versa, and the number of pineapple juices exceeding by two glasses, the short yet entertaining chit chat got as all on our toes.

We traveled back, but decided to pull over to get our favorite pulutan – a delectable liempo and a lechon manok.

Off to the batcave.

Already prepared were the beers on the cooler. Bobot took his turn setting up his humble office – a well-oiled machine by the day to customers who came in either by group or one at a time, but being used as a VIP Room for people who became VIPs to the host’s life.

No camera was available at that time, forcing us to use my mobile phone instead. After few snaps, a glass or two of Del Monte Fit and Right, Memeng had decided to depart us to fulfill his duty as a devoted husband and father to his two kids.

So we’re now down to five. There were no countdowns made from there onwards. We’re not much aware of the time either what with a videoke all set up, turning a drinking spree into a night of entertaining music in between lively chit chat and recollection of the not-so-distant past (whew, 18 years was just like yesterday).

From the VIP room, Bobot decided to transfer us to the function room – their living room inside his kingdom. There in front of us was a 70-plus inches, Sony LCD television. There, we took turns, impersonating our all-time favorite band/singers from rock groups Guns and Roses, Kamikaze Parokya ni Edgar, Jazz maker Mike Francis to balladeers Jose Marie Chan, Basil Valdez and Andy Gibb.

As the night fell and morning slowly crept in, an unexpected call came from a long lost friend. Lt. Cruz’s phone rang around 2 a.m. and a familiar enthusiastic voice burned the line. It was Redondo Basabas, who was a million miles away from us. The guy is working in the Middle East, but didn’t mind to drop by just to say Hi and asked everyone how the gathering was proving that friendship could also be a phone call away.

The guy certainly missed us – a lot – more so his family whom he deserted for quite some time now. It won’t take long for Dondon to come back. He will be here few weeks from now.

But the night won’t be complete without the Q and A where each one of them took turns in pulling out the cat from the bag.

Benjo de Leon: My most embarrassing? Ah, yung tinulak ako ni Junel sa hagdan he he he. My most memorable moment? Of course, it’s the friendship that we’ve attained which remains even up to now.

Lt. Christopher Cruz: My most embarrassing experience happened nu’ng naglaro kami ng basketball at nahulog ako sa kanal, he he he. First year lang kami nun. Most memorable, parehas din kay Benjo, yung pagiging magkaibigan which has become our foundation through the years.

Bobot Ramos: Dati,si Ms. Yangco very strict sa mga nali-late. Nakailang beses yata akong nag-flag ceremony na kami-kami lang kasama yung ibang late so that’s an embarrassing moment. Most memorable for me was my inclusion in the WBCJ group.

Floren Andres: Embarassing moment is yung hinalikan ko si Romena Ramos.

As for me? Well, I puked during my junior year in the corridor at a time when we were taking the exam. There was too much alcohol intake and I assumed the effects would give me great results during test. Benjo mentioned to me this rare opportunity of penetrating the elite Rizal class and I must admit that’s one of my few accomplishments – and possibly the greatest during high school.

Memories, good or bad, had given us lessons in life. But one thing I’ve realized is that high school won’t be complete without friends on your side. No wonder, that’s the consensus of the five of us who once again brought back the hands of time and will use this philosophy until we’re here.

This is indeed the living testament of true friendship – a fact that remains come hell or high water.

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