Konted's Make My Day 2: Tis The Season To Be Jolly

Robinsons Magnolia

Tis The Season To Be Jolly

Tis the season to be jolly. Tis the time to rekindle old ties. And to strengthen existing ones. Approaching the end of the year, Class 62/66 held its last regular meeting for 2012 last Sunday at Arya Cafe at the newly-built Robinsons Magnolia in Quezon City. In addition to the regulars, there were new faces that added luster and excitement to the affair.

Businessman Vic Fadrilan, who seems to have defied age, came on time. He is engaged in the construction of condominiums in the South and has franchise outlets of Mang Inasal. One is at Eastwood in Libis, Quezon City. Allan Alcobendas, still experiencing jet lag, flew in from New Jersey where he is in the real estate business. Allan is staying at Ayala Alabang and is scheduled to fly back to NJ on the 27th of December.

And the biggest surprise of 'em all, Christopher Embuscado, who traveled all the way from Jaen, Nueva Ecija to reconnect with old classmates. He is a Certified Public Accountant. It was Ted Aquino who traced Chris' whereabouts. Dodie Puno, Vic's business partner, came in folded long sleeves & denim pants and looked as dashing as ever. Like Vic, Dodie still has that happy countenance. And this is why the two don't grow old. Believe me.

Oh yes, Ed David, who always makes his presence felt at this time of the year, stayed almost till the end. Ed is President of Bonafide Energeia Technology (Singapore) Ltd and is concurrently Chairman of Gravitas Prime, a financial advisory firm. I am not yet through. Ed served at one time or another and in various capacities as Chairman and Managing Partner of Hupomone Capital Partners (Singapore) Ltd and President of H&Q Philippines. Inc. He was Senior Vice President and Chief Investment Officer for the American International Group (AIG) companies in the Philippines. Here is another one. He was Vice President, Treasurer and CFO of First Philippine Holdings Corporation. This is only one half of Ed's credentials. I'll get back to Ed later.

And with old regulars Francis Pacheco, Andy Jimenez, Capt. Ronnie Cunanan, Ted Aquino, Ed Dela Rosa, Greg Calixto and Ted Gener all accounted for, we had our dinner of Persian dishes. Arya has generous servings and its food is generally satisfying. With San Miguel beer being served, the usual flashback time began. Of course, they were old stories repeated many times over and yet remained interesting to everyone.

As the hours passed by, little did we realize that the mall was about to close. When adjournment time came, Vic F. extended an invitation to everyone to his Mang Inasal outlet at Eastwood in Libis, Q.C. in time with our January get2gether. Motion seconded and approved with no objection. Take note, classmates. Till then...

- Konted

Arya Cafe serves good Persian cuisine.

A cozy place with good ambiance

Arya's counter

With Persian decors

Clockwise starting at 12 o'clock position: Francis Pacheco, Vic Fadrilan, Christopher Embuscado, Capt Ronnie Cunanan, Allan Alcobendas, Ted Gener, Class '66 Muse for 2013, Dodie Puno, Ted Aquino and Ed David

Andy Jimenez, Francis P and Vic Fadrilan

Ed Dela Rosa and Allan Alcobendas

Francis P and Vic F with Christopher Embuscado. Christopher takes his own sweet time while his driver waits for him for their return trip to Jaen, Nueva Ecija. Chris is a Certified Public Accountant and has a hardware store.

Vic F and Greg Calixto

Ed David is flanked by Ted A and Ted G.

Dodie in a conversation with the Captain.

Business partners Vic F and Dodie P in huddle

Christopher Embuscado, Capt Ronnie, Ted G and Allan

Allan selects his brand of beer at Arya's counter.

Francis, Vic and Dodie breaking into laughter. One reason why they don't grow old.

Capt Ronnie elaborating on something

Ed David is a graduate of Ateneo De Manila University. Ed is currently Chairman of the Finance Committee of the Ateneo De Manila University Board of Trustees. He is a former Director of the Asian Institute of Management.