CLASSMATES ARE A BLESSING

Message of the Class President during the Mapitagan Christmas Party on Dec 15, 2019:

My dear classmates…

For so long a time we have regarded

each other not just as brothers in arms but as members of a family. In fact, even more than that, with close kinship and cultural bond.

Over the years, from the time we established a common social relationship at Fort del Pilar until now, the natural affinity with each other has grown in our hearts in increased pace and in significant proportion. You will agree with me, when I say that neighbors and loved ones wish each other well, just as classmates do to each other.

If you still remember last Dec 2018 during our Christmas Party I said that, just like diamonds, classmates are forever.

This time I say that, “classmates are a blessing.” We enjoy a different kind of friendship, unity, and trust which we have learned from the academy and embedded so deep in our system.

I have every reason to believe and expect that our bond as Mapitagans will achieve greater strength and prosperity in the coming years. Let us therefore, work together towards that direction.

From my family – Noemi, Nicar, Nico, and Neo- to all of you my dear classmates and family members, a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year.

Before I end, let me acknowledge the following: Chat Sugon, Kay Navarro, Gina Jubas, Esther Velasco and Beth Bernardino for joining our fellowship; Ed and Rockie Escueta for showing up every class Christmas party; Jess Lomeda for sending his greetings from Canada and Angelo Palmones from Cotabato; Henry Sy Jr and Anthony Almeda for the SM Gift Certificates; Mike Rodriguez for the Christmas prayer; Vic Caragan for being the genial host; Larry Cruz for providing the Air Force mini-band; and the Mapitagan ladies for the never ending inspiration. Ben Mantele for always leading us in prayer every birthday fellowship with Ces Ordoyo as his alternate; Vic Caragan, Emil Sarmiento, Jeff Tupas, Ben Mantele and Juni Carbonell for ably representing me in different PMAAAI Board Meetings and activities.

I want to thank Tony Baraquiel, JV Javier, and Jeff Tupas for making sure that all preparations for our Christmas Party are done with ease.

Congratulations to our Mapitagan hampas-lupa for setting a standard and for always winning in golf tournaments led by the team manager George Regis with team mates Emil, Obe, Bongda, Bong C, Cess, Rainier, Joji, Paco, Macky, Bogs, Ted, Ager, Sammy, Larry, and Cobar.

Congratulations, too, to Gerry Layug for being elected AGFO Board of Director and will serve for three years; and to Juni Carbonell for a successful stint as BIRC Board of Director.

Last November, we treated Del Lorenzo with a fellowship lunch at Gloria Maris Greenhills. We also welcome Jun Ancheta who is planning to stay for good in the country.

Today, we will induct into our roster Dr. Frank Gali, the assistant medical director of Veterans Hospital and Danny Saberon, a computer engineer.

Happy Holidays Mapitagans. Ahooo!