Vancouver 2001

Making New Friends of Old Acquaintances... and their friends
It was raining that Saturday morning Billy and I left Vancouver. The City famous for its sudden summer showers was bathed in nothing but warm sunshine the whole time we were there... up until the time we were leaving. It was as if the sky was crying. Sorry to see us go? Or were those tears of joy?

The last three days have been wonderful. Nature, for its part, has been most cooperative. Olly pronounced the weather we had as "made-to-order" for the activities she and Josie have planned for those of us who came to Vancouver. The sun was out but it was not hot. Altogether, it has been pleasant... mild and dry. Perfect weather for well, a reunion of sort.

Manny Labao, Videoke jockey
  Gloria Feliciano-Hernandez,
panauhing pandangal
She must have been a wonderful friend back when. The mere mention of her name - GING - in the e-mails after the Pampanga Coral Anniversary Reunion stirred memories, evoked a certain longing to see her again, and kindled a contagious fire of generosity... in Josie, Ike, Tony and Ed. In no time at all, these awesome foursome had engaged the resources of Lisa Valerio to work on Ging's visa so that she could join Vancouver 2001. Plane fare? No problem. Tres Muskiteros to the rescue with generous pledges. Pocket Money? Edna de los Reyes came across. Room and Board? Josie opened her home and wallet to her. She came from the old country, bearing gifts from Liza and Emy for the group. And when the group saw her, everyone wanted to take care of her. Ging, precious Ging. Pataban ta ya y Ging!

And everyone was a singer!
There was singing everywhere during Vancouver 2001. In the cars, with Dan and his portable leadsinger system. At Vina's Restaurant Friday night with Mang Vic on the piano who played every song mentioned that night... pati Visayan.

Saturday night was grand! Karaoke night at the Labaos. Manny played videoke jockey, and tried to accommodate all requests. Tony was a natural. No surprise there, for he is a self-confessed karaoke bar habitue back in Charleston, South Carolina. Sweet-voiced Gina was a revelation. Husband Ike was inspired to hold his own, "My Way." Ben and Vangie Lazatin was a team... dueling voices, harmonious duet. Fina and Rex whispered their songs to each other; Sweet... con todo goo goo eyes. Ging sang to herself... very very softly. Dan and Olly sang, too. Whenever they can make "singit." So did Ed. "E cu isip-isipang macapagcanta cu!" he exclaimed. Still debatable whether he really was able to "sing." But DANCE he did! This Ed Gopez is a dancer, no ifs or buts about it.

Name Game
Antonio and Amelia Miranda have Avery and Adrianne. Together, the Mirandas are a cuadro de alas. Beats Josie and Jerry's (r.i.p.)cuadro de jack...with Jenn and Joseph. Ed and Edna... brought Jeffrey and Jacqueline. Two pairs. And left Joanne and Edward at home in LA. Sana pala full house la reng Gopez!

Suellen is one word, not "Sue Ellen" as in the south. Benjie and Vangie has a better ring to it than Ben and Vangie. Ben is actually Boy...back in the Philippines. Rex is just Rex... the latin king. No, not Ricky Martin! Fina? From Rufina, saan pa. As in patis. Olly was Olivia Castillo, now Gonzalez. Olly with a "y." Ever pretty. Vegetarian. Tony calls her Oily. Bathes in olive oil. Gina does not know Ike. She is married to Henry... as in Enrique. Their kids? Eric,Reggee,Antonette and Reyhen. Imaginative names, huh. Will Jenn Hizon be a Gamboa? A Miranda? Baka Tecson! Word has it that Avery is engaged. Sorry, Jenn.

And here is one for you: Teodulo Labao is now Jody. It seems Teody was too much for Canadians to say aloud.


Peter, Paul and Maria


Mel, one of the Four Miranda Aces