Apr-Jun 2022 Class Call

Outgoing President: BARTOLOME NA
Incoming President: DELA CRUZ LCG (Effective 30 Mar 22)
Secretary: TAN EC

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‘Tis the merry month of May indeed!

Though we swelter under the oppressive humidity and heat, brief bursts of rain herald the start of the wet season. And scientists warn that rainfall could come in torrents. Rain, please?

For the Mapitagans, there are just so many reasons to laugh about, and for some, jump for joy.

Mapitagans have a new President!

Let me be clear with this. I do not call attention to the outcome of the May 9 exercise. Setting aside emotions that were somehow stirred up by partisanship during the countdown, let us, with a sigh of relief that it is over, live with the fact that the majority has spoken. We heal as one – as a nation, as Peemayers, and as Mistahs.

The Mapitagans have a new Class President!

He is Cavalier Lauro Catalino Dela Cruz, who ably served as Commanding General of the Philippine Air Force from 09 January 2012 to 30 April 2014. With overflowing pride,we pat our backs at the same time nod our heads and tell anyone that Boss Larry did an outstanding job during his stint as CG, PAF. And this time, we are very confident that he will perform the same, if not betterer, as our Class President.

Last 30 March, with Covid-19 restrictions loosened up,Mapitagan birthday celebrants for the month of March headed by Boss Nick Bartolome hosted a fellowship and birthday luncheon at The Pavilion of Villamor Air Base Golf Club. The venue and food catering were arranged by Boss Larry.

Thirty-four Mapitagans were in attendance, plus a familiar guest of Danny Saberon. They came to greet the another-year-added celebrant-hosts Nick Bartolome, Ted Torralba, George Regis, Bert Yambing, and Onell Lleno. Balikbayans Alex “Guzzie Boy” De Guzman and Steve Ojeda joined the celebration, as well as Pol Palacio. We are just glad and thankful that circumstances allowed us to have this face-to-face lunch and fellowship. Imagine doing that in Zoom. Whoa!

With a heavy heart, Boss Nick relinquished his post as Class President after five years at the helm. We could have wished Boss Nick to be president for life, but we acceded to his desire. In the impromptu election that followed, Boss Larry was elected as Class President for a term of one year starting that day. Congrats Boss Larry and may the force be with you!

In a message to Mapitagans in our Viber group, Boss Nicksaid: “Dear Mapitagans. This is to thank you for all the support you have extended to me during my tenure as class president. Because of the pandemic we didn’t notice that we’ve grown another five years together as classmates. As always it’s my pleasure to be of service to the class. Congratulations to Boss Larry and to the new set of class officers. Ahooo! Ahooo! Ahooo!”

He also thanked the following Class Officers for their services to the class who were with him for those five years: VP for PA – Jess Lomeda; VP for PAF – Greg Macapagal; VP for PN – Bogs Abogado; and VP for PNP – Gil Meneses. As Class Secretaries – Onell Lleno, Nolet Ojeda, Jeff Tupas and Edmund Tan. As Class Treasurers -Tony Baraquiel and Jun Sanchez. Maraming salamat sa kanilang lahat!

Boss Nick, we Mapitagans are forever grateful to the outstanding and amazing selfless service you rendered to us. You put in order the affairs of the Class, and ably steered it to where it is now. Our snappiest salute!

Diamonds do not hold the monopoly to this saying, for, as Boss Nick often say, “Classmates are forever”. Yes, Boss Nick, we are lucky, and proud.

In turn, Boss Larry graciously accepted his election, posting in our Viber group: “Maraming salamat mga Mistah. Proud to be of service to the Best Class PMA has produced. God bless us all.”

Not wasting time, Boss Larry and the new set of Class Officers had an informal dinner on 19 April at the Tamarind A Taste of Thai resto in SM Aura. Over excellent and exotic Thai cuisine, discussed were plans and activities for the year. We thank Boss Larry and Boss Emil Sarmiento for introducing Thailand to our palate and tummy.

Our Class Officers are as follows: President – Boss Larry; VP for Army – Onell Lleno; VP for Navy – Bogs Abogado; VP for Air Force – Greg Macapagal; VP for Police – Emil Sarmiento; and VP At-Large for Abroad Mapitagans – Jess Lomeda. Other officers are: Class Secretary – Edmund Tan; Treasurer – Jun Sanchez; Legal Counsel – Gil Meneses; Chair, Committee on the Utilization of Class Funds – Ces Ordoyo; and Ex-Officio – Nick Bartolome, as past president. We thank them for accepting the challenges of leading our class and wish them all well in their undertakings for the class.

Although we feel sad that four of our mistahs did not make it in the last May election, we beam with pride that Mistah Joey Salceda was reelected as representative of Albay’s 2ndDistrict. Kudos goes as well to the bunkmate of Mistah Ricky Sandoval, Jeannie, who is the new Mayor of Malabon. To our four mistahs, keep the dream, today is the best day of preparation as any for the next fight. Three years is just a blink. Remember King Bruce.

Another Mapitagan added more luster to the shining achievements of our class. Boss Ed Del Rosario, the first Secretary of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, received the Outstanding Achievement Award for Meritorious Service given during the 2022 Homecoming in Fort del Pilar. Boss Sayong has rendered exemplary service in various capacities in government service since 2016.

Speaking of Mapitagan sterling service, our Class Sec Boss Edmund was elected as Board of Trustee of AGFO Foundation, Inc. in an election held last 29 April. Meanwhile, two other Mapitagans were elected to the PETFI Board, Atty. Gil Meneses and Mike “Ige” Rodriguez. Nominated strongly by past Prez Boss Nick, Atty Gil was a shoo-in. But another seat was open to Class 1980. Ige was nominated as he was boarding his plane in Puerto Princesa. He had no idea he was considered. When the plane landed in NAIA, he was now, to his surprise, a PETFI director. Kayang kaya mo yan Igs. Gil too. Sec Ed din.

Improved version?

We are proud to welcome two new “brat” lawyers who passed the recent Bar Exams. They are Atty Aira Kathrina Perez, daughter of Arnold and Ellen, and Atty. Lawrence Jesse Mendoza, son of Mie and Tess. They are the new additions to the growing roster of Mapitagan “brats” who have chosen the legal profession, namely:

Cpt Alexa M. Andaya, US Army (JAG), daughter of Andy and Marivic;
Atty. Czar Augustus C. Colina, son of Hermie and Grace;
Atty. Neil Owen B. Deona, son of Nestor and Flor;
Atty. Arman Joseph M. Guzman, son of Manding and Cynthia;
Atty. Gemma Lynne P. Layug, daughter of Gerry and Emma;
Atty. Paola Kathlynn Q. Lleno-Armada, daughter of Onell;
Atty. Christian Gil P. Meneses, son of Gil and Cristy;
Atty. Kristine Grace P. Meneses, daughter also of Gil and Cristy;
Atty. Justin Adriel E. Ordoyo, son of Ces and Cheryl;
Atty. John Dominnee A. Reyes, son of King and Ada;
Atty. Mark Lester A. Reyes, the other son of King and Ada;
Atty. Glenda A. Yano, daughter of Cesar and Celie;
Cpt. Julius A. Yano, Reservist (JAG), son also of Cesar and Celie;
Atty. Alloysius R. Yebra, son of Efren and Irene; and
Bar Topnotcher, DOTr USec. Reinier Paul R. Yebra (Top # 1 in 2010 Bar Exam), another son of Efren and Irene.

Of course, we are more proud with our “nothing beats the original”,

Atty. Francisco M. Ancheta, Jr
Judge Miguel S. Asuncion
Atty. Jesus Isidoro C. Atoc
Atty Eduardo U. Escueta
Atty. Washington M. Javier
Atty. Gil C. Meneses
Justice Nancy R. Palmones
Atty. Quirino P. Revilla, Jr
Atty. Judito Angelo C. Tadeo
Usec. Nabil A. Tan
Atty. Herold G. Ubalde (+)

The pandemic is just about over; man beat the virus, as always. Better days lay ahead. Birthdays we welcome and celebrate. Grandchildren we welcome too with alacrity. Our drives off the tee are ten yards less. There’s a new tenant in the palace by the river. Life goes on.

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