Francis B. Pena, Singapore Airlines’ 2009 Awardee for Customer Service

It’s with unabashed pride and gladness that UP Ibalon-Bicol congratulates Francis B. Pena for being chosen as Singapore Airlines’ 2009 CEO TCS Awardee for outstanding customer service.

A friend of Ibalonians, Pena who hails from Naga City, Philippines is an alumnus of Ateneo de Naga HS Class’73 and the University of Nueva Caceres BSN ’78. For his exemplary work, outstanding company contributions, and admirable 25-year dedication to the core values of the organization, he will be feted in an evening celebratory reception at 6:30 at the Raffles Town Club in Singapore, on 22 April 2009. His selection to the prestigious distinction is announced by Patricia Ow, Customer Affairs Manager of the Singapore Airlines. =0=

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More Holiday Photos of UP Ibalon & Friends

Dr. Fems Espinas-Paladin in Manila

UP Ibalon’s virologist extraordinaire Dr. Fems E. Paladin goes back to Manila from her cave in the World Health Organization (WHO), Geneva, Switzerland to take time with Ibalon pals Don A. Salvosa, Dr. Arnel V. Malaya, Sabu Sabularse and wife Mary. Sorely missed are all Ibalonians including Middle East-based Dr. Nestor RA Valenciano and Dr. Ramon Ray G. Rayel who is the United States.

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AdeN-CSI HS’73 in Los Angeles, CA and Naga City

Photos of a merry get-together of spritely CSI HS’73 ladies Gene, Ellen, and Emee in some beautiful places in the West Coast. With them are their supportive spouses and children.

Back home in Naga City are the Golden Boys of Quiborak (GBQs)with Marive Roco (CSI HS’73)and Fr. Antonio de los Santos, a classmate and spiritual adviser, based in Calabanga, Camarines Sur.

In a rarely seen food grab—taking precious moments of unity, affection, and fun, bubbly CSI girls show pure happiness in being together.

Iggi Camacho in USA

GBQ Iggi Camacho breezes through California with fellow AdenHS’73 classmate Walter Mendez of Baao, Camarines Sur. Iggi comes to the Northeast to meet with other GBQs—Ely Mabeza, Tong and Chi Pilar of New Jersey and Totie Mesia of New York on January 13, 2008.

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Dr. and Mrs. Lino & Josefa Mercurio

From Atlanta, Georgia, USA, Lino, and Jo send this exciting wintry holiday greeting and photo of their recent outdoor skiing trip with their children. Former residents of Buhi, Camarines Sur and Naga City, the UP Ibalon friends plan to attend the Bicol National Association convention slated in July 2009 in New York.

Dr. and Mrs. Renato & Megs Oracion

Happy holiday cheers from Rene and Megs in Odessa, Texas. Originally from Manila, the affable dermatologist and his Ilonga wife send their interesting photo taken during a much-needed vacation in Egypt.

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Holiday Photos from UP Ibalon & Friends Part II

The Nideas and Enojados

The cold new year’s eve did not deter Atty. Allen Nidea and better-half Joji to visit Drs. Augusto & Marietta Mesia in Queens, New York. Together with elder sister Lena Nidea, the duo brought delicious native cuisine plus bosom friends Dr. Renato Enojado, his wife the former Ms. Susie Azur (who proved to be a good cook as well,) and their two children.

The clock ticked fast for the bright ball and confettis of Times Square, Manhattan to fall right on the TV screen. Sans firecrackers, the group enjoyed the season’s blessed food, a bottle of champagne, some singing, and laughter to usher in the hope and joy of the new year.

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Ona Vigil of Davao City

From the far Southern Philippine city of Davao, Ibalonian Ona Vigil sent her happy thoughts and hopeful wishes for all fellow Ibalonians. She had this beautiful photo of herself and her grown-up smart children—Apol, Guia and Paula. Happy New Year, Ona and the kids!

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Ms. Emelyn Poloyapoy

Unforgettable Miss Emelyn Poloyapoy, grade school teacher of many from Naga Parochial School (NPS) sent her Christmas and New Year cheers from Warren, Michigan where she spent the holidays. She’ll come to New York when the weather is better to be with sister Eden Chamberlain in Poughkeepsie, NY before she flies for her scheduled vacation in the Philippines.

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Vince and Christine Martin

From Alfaretta, Georgia, Vince & Christine Martin with children Lauryn and Vince Sylvanus warmly greeted us this holiday season. Their nephew, Noah, the son of Matt and JoMarie Cannady of North Carolina donned the Santa get-up for the holiday fun.

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AdenU-CSIHS’73 Encuentro in California and Naga City

During the holidays, Emy, Tinn, Marilen, Gene, Sammy and Dick made the Ateneo-Colegio de Sta Isabel HS’73 (Aden-CSI HS’73) alive again. A mini-reunion during Atty. D. Perez’ visit in the West coast had them meeting at Tequila Jacks, Long Beach, California before Christmas. It was just right to set aside the nostalgia of yesteryears and savor the warm company of old friends.

In September 2008, the grand reunion held in Naga City had been a flashpoint of fond recollections for the boys and girls of ’73 who came in blue to strengthen bonds, share memories, and re-ignite old friendships. Lovely CSI dames like Mary Ann Pelagio-Sayoc, Maricar Imperial, Marive Roco, Lillian Ragragio-Bolivar, Ofie Altarejos, and Girlie Badiola belted songs which made everyone feel it was springtime all over again.

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Dr. Wing Chu and Gloria Rada

From Demarest, New Jersey, Wing Chu, M.D. and wife Gloria of the Moderna Bakery fame of Naga brings us their warm cheers and best wishes for the Christmas season. An accomplished opthalmologist in New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, Wing, with Gloria’s TLC (tender loving care) are busy reaching many corners of the planet including beautiful Naga City and Quezon Province where they visit their kins and friends.

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Holiday Photos from UP Ibalon & Friends Part I

Robert and Vines Nolasco-Ries from Indiana

UP Ibalon’s toxicologist Dr. Divinia N. Ries and hubby Bob have reasons to be happy. It’s not because the lovely Indiana family has Chamrin Rae (child of Pat and Myra) has those round huge eyes and blonde hair, but because the little cute babe has the smile of grandma Divinia.

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Gods, Julie and Thia Lanuza of Vancuover, BC, Canada

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The Gotico Family of Stockton, California

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Dr. Rey and Doreen Tolentino-Gonzales

New York psychiatrist DTG with hubby Rey in a memorable picture taken from Los Angeles, California with wonderful children Jun Rae and Dorothy Rae. Doreen looks forward to a busier, but happier year as she assumes a new job close to her home in July 2009.

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Our Lady of Penafrancia Devotees Association of New York, New Jersey & Connecticut (OLPDA)

In a festive Christmas party on December 20, 2008, officers and members of OLPDA, all Ina’s devotees came together for a celebration of gift-giving and sharing in Jersey City, New Jersey. The decades-old religious organization continues to draw Bicolanos of faith in the Northeast area.

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Sarah Pavilando of Cola, South Carolina

Supermom and former Naga City resident, Sarah happily leads her brood in South Carolina. The bubbly smart Bicolana is an alumna of Colegio de Sta Isabel, HS batch 1982.

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The Banzon and Flotildes Children in Vancuover, British Columbia

Settled in Vancouver, British Columbia are Dr. Yasmin Paje-Banzon (CSI’72) and hubby Joel. Just like Sofronio Flotildes, Jr. (AdenUHS’73) and wife Rose, they raise cheery healthy children in the Canadian Northwest.

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2007 Holiday Fun of AdenUHS’73 in Naga City

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Ben & Baby Gulfo of Alberta, Canada

From Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Ben and Baby Gulfo with son Mark played host for Ferdie and Jill Bermillo Ocampo, Karen Delvo Ocampo and Divine Borja of Bombon, Camarines Sur during the 2009 new year celebration.

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Aden-CSI University HS reunion a success!

Among UP Ibalon’s ever increasing friends, the alumni and alumnae of Ateneo de Naga Univerisity (AdenU) and Colegio de Sta. Isabel (USI) Class 1973 held their memorable reunion, the first in 35 years, in Naga City, Philippines on Saturday, September 13, 2008.

Spearheaded by Engr. George Yorobe, hubby of UP Ibalon’s Dr. May Magdalene I. Velasco, the celebration was a happy start to usher in Bicolandia’s feast of the Virgin of Penafrancia which will culminate on September 21, 2008. The combined group of enthusiastic batchmates that include Matt Lamit, Val Torrecampo, Chito Parma, Art Villamor, Nonong Molaer, Larry Limjoco, Bernie Palma, Mon Odiamar, Roy Fernando, Ted Orante, Monching Cervantes, Iggi Camacho, Willie Verdadero, Arlen Barrameda, Jun Briones, Totoy Buenafe, Dick Perez, Errol Angeles, Sam Sabocor, Joseph Buenavente, Boy Estiva, Paul Cunanan, Tong Pilar, Art Torralba, Bobby Garza, Walter Mendez, Ric National, Ed Nicolas, Paul Antero, Marcial Aguilar, Gisbert Beringuela, Ding Salvosa, Edwin Rivero, Rolly Salazar worked with Mary Ann Pelagio, Nini Ragragio-Bolivar, Girlie Badiola, Leilani Rosero-Odiamar, Marive Roco, Christine Ascarraga, Maricar Imperial and among others to make the event a smashing reality. Fr. Antonio de los Santos and Fr. Wilmer Tria served as the group’s spiritual advisers.

According to Nini R. Bolivar, the reunion which bridged old friendships and renewed memories was an opportunity to plan future group undertakings including joint socio-cultural projects planned for the community. The Class of ’73 thanks all those who in one way or another helped make the reunion a success. (Photo Credits: AdenUHS’73/Dr. Ramon P. Odiamar/CSIHS’73 Siiribananmi)

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