Ateneo De Naga High School Batch '86

October 23, 2009 marks the first day of the 2nd Annual Reunion for Alumni members of the Ateneo de Naga High School Batch '86 of North America at the Stratosphere Tower and Casino. Despite the economic turmoil plaguing the United States, we managed to pull through with the event, thanks to its dedicated members.

After a 5 hour journey from Arizona to Nevada by car, I finally arrived an hour early before the next batch of delegates starts arriving by air. I managed to get a small break this time and enjoyed a hot bowl of beef wonton noodle soup at Chowking... Ahh, I'm beginning to feel at home again, soon I'll be hearing familiar voices, speaking in familiar terms and laughing in familiar styles. Its really good to be back home...

Now that I'm refreshed, the excitement in me is kicking it up another notch. Headed straight to McCarran International Airport and in no time emerging from the arrival area, I saw a familiar figure whom I haven't seen since we graduated in High School back in 1986! its Manny Ledesma! Now I can speak bikolnon again all weekend! After a firm handshake, and exchanging pleasantries, the stories keeps going on and we didn't even noticed that 30 minutes have already gone by. Soon appearing from the crowd that seems to be building up in size, Alex stood out from the crowd, carrying a leather bag, wearing a sports coat,blue denim pants and a nice blue shirt inside... now that's what I call a casino "highroller!" all the other people in the crowd look like concert-goers...

We were all thinking the same thing... Where are these people coming from? What are they going to do here in Vegas? Did somebody leaked information that the Ateneo De Naga HS Batch 86 will be celebrating their annual reunion in Vegas? Our curiousity was answered while cruising north on I-15 freeway...heading towards Stratosphere Hotel. The traffic was horrendous, and out on the big LCD traffic sign ahead reads... U2 and the Black-eyed Peas LIVE in CONCERT in VEGAS tonight! Ok, that's good to know! We were able to breath a sigh of relief later.. After Checking-in at the hotel, we ran out again to pick-up the Filipino foods ordered days before on the internet with special orders that it should be still hot by 5:30pm on October 23, 2009...

At the Salo-Salo Restaurant, our 3 orders of crispy pata, inihaw na pusit, pinaputok na pampano and a tray of palabok, were just being placed on their packages true enough while still hot. We recieved a call from the California delegates namely Ridel, Gen Redondo, and Jj Castro, they said they will be arriving shortly, and since the airport is on their way, volunteered to pick-up tha last two delegates due to arrive from the East coast namely Leo Llacer and Arvic Badiola. Everything is running like clockwork!

The sun has set, the temperature was slowly turning cold outside, we quickly hurried back to the hotel, and set the food on the table. Prepared the bar, opened a bottle of Paul Masson Brandy to warm ourselves and welcome Manny and the arrival of boboy and arvic, this years "newcomer". Before the bottle turned half full, a knock on the door officially started the 2nd Annual Reunion by members of the Ateneo de Naga High School Batch of 1986 of North America! From Ridel's bag came and a shout was heard... Tequila!

One of the memorable highlights of the event was the presence of Boboy Llacer, through the generosity of Arvic Badiola who hails from Queens,NY managed to attend acting as representative for our batchmate Allan. Arvic, we appreciate your presence and enjoyed your company. He went back home to Queens, NY a sure winner...

We also would like to thank Boboy for his presence, the detailed reports and his updates were unremarkable and in the spirit of a true gentleman, the visions of our batch was finally realized and understood by members of North America, in these hard and trying times, great things comes in small packages...and we concur. Have a safe trip back home my friend!

Manny was the first-timer in the group this year, though very much willing, last year, he wasn't able to attend because he already ran out of paid time-off from work. But he kept his promise this time. Kudos to you Manny! Your presence and company is highly appreciated. And in behalf of the members of North America, I would like to thank you for your "generous" donation to our Batch Fund-Raising Project. I will just send you our bank account number so you can monitor the progress...All the best to you and your family.

The walk on the Vegas Strip this year reached a record breaking number...3 miles! I doubt if we would like to do it again... I got blisters on my foot! As usual, all newcomers will have to pose under the Effiel Tower, the most populated area on the strip, amidst curious eyes from other tourists, dodging passers-by while taking shots in between...

Special thanks to Alex, Ridel, Gen and Jay-jay, your time and efforts are well-recognized and appreciated. Without these fine gentlemen there wouldn't be a 2nd Annual Vegas Reunion. There's never a dull moment with you guys. Congratulations!

As for those who were not able to make it this time but were present last year, Bobet Buhat, Vic Florece and Gary Padre, all in good time batch! We understand all your predicaments. We will continue to pray for this economy to recover, we are all affected too. Good luck in all your endeavours. Special mention too to our webmaster for his continued support to our batch website.

All is well that ends well. Parting is really such a sweet sorrow...A promise is a promise... we will see each other again in December of 2011 and this time, we know we will be great in numbers! What started as small packages will eventually end up being big...Take care my friends! Farewell! Till we meet again! As we always say as parting wordS for one another..."BE SAFE ALWAYS BATCH!"

Ateneo De Naga High School Batch 1986 here is your team!

Padi gana kita 29-28 score, e-mailed Edwin Calisura. Taktakan na maray si laban,naglamag kita 10 points!Maray ngani gulpi pangsanli ta tao,duman sinda nadaog,he,he.

Edwin, I would like to add: Garo dai na nagpashoot si Nono sa kalaban, dakulang tabang yan! Peace Nono!

Good Job Team!

We will wait for the game pics mga padi!

Batch 1986 was invited to join the upcoming Tiriladan 2009 Basketball Tournament organized by ADeN High School Batch 1990.

Naturally the batch formed a team ! It's team is composed of the following 86ers: Boboy LLacer, Ding Grageda, Allan Panes, Rodel Ortanez, Joey Vibar, Allan Badiola ,Romeo Palma, Andy Herrera, Edwin Calisura, Bong Monasterio, Romero, Neil Villar, Andresito Malanyaon, Ruben San Buenaventura, Meneleo Jornales, Rommel Fajardo, Nono Fabian, Rulph Arcilla, Nonie Sanares, Adolfo Noel, Jose Prevosa, Stephen Prado, Reynold Recreo, and Jhunkz Cantorne. Appointed coach was Taba Pellas.


Below is the opening programme of Tiriladan 2009:

And the rules:

According to our Naga City Correspondent Edwin Calisura, the Batch 86's first game is against Batch 85 on October 18 at 6 pm.

Good Luck Team and please send us pictures to post in our site!

These are basic information of Stratosphere Tower & Casino, our venue for the delegates to the 2nd Ateneo De Naga High School Batch '86 of North America Annual Reunion which will be held this coming October 23-25, 2009.

Stratosphere Tower & Casino

The Stratosphere Hotel on the Northern end of the Strip has become a landmark in Las Vegas. The Stratosphere Tower can be seen from nearly every where in the valley. If you’re looking for a thrill take the highest ride in the country on top of the tower. The Stratpshere offers fun shows, a great casino and rooms with a fantastic view.

•Address: 2000 Las Vegas Blvd. South Las Vegas, NV 89104

•Location: The Stratosphere hotel is located on the very NORTHERN end of the Strip.

•Room number: 2,444 suites and rooms

•Room rates from: $37

•Restaurants: 14 restaurants incl. the Top of the World restaurant

•Casino: 86,000 square feet

•Shopping: Tower shops featuring interesting shops - there is a shop where you can buy used game machines.

•Attractions: The 1,149-feet tower is America’s highest tower. The view is spectacular.
Extreme rides: Bigshot ride, Insanity - The ride, X Scream ride

•Shows: American Superstars, Bite, Viva Las Vegas

•Pool: 15,000-square foot pool, jacuzzi, waterfall
•Fitness: Health club and spa

•Wedding chapel: The stratosphere hotel offers the Chapel in the Clouds. The chapel is located 800 feet above the Las Vegas Boulevard.

•Check-in time: 3 p.m.

•Ceck-out time: 11. a.m.

•Parking: Free parking

Its never too late mga ka-batch to book your plane tickets and hotel accomodation to Las Vegas. Remember as the saying goes... "When in Vegas, what Happens in Vegas STAYS in Vegas" MADYA NA KAMO!

Para santigwar