We Gather Light To Scatter
Batch 69 Luncheon at the Ambassador's Residence June 7, 2009
An integral part of the 40th anniversary celebration of USP/SDP Batch 69 was the batch lunch with the Philippine Ambassador to the United States, H.E. Ambassador Willy Gaa at the ambassador's residence in Washington D.C. . It was part courtesy call to the highest ranking upsilonian in the U.S., and part batch tour of Washington D.C. in which the ambassador's residence was a point of interest (indeed, the lunch was followed by a tour of the city).
The batch agreed that for the occasion, everybody would wear a special shirt which turned out to be a black polo shirt screaming loudly with SDP and USP logos. As usual, the sis were fashionably late. It was good that Mrs. Gaa prepared some food for the other guests (who were actually already seated for lunch) when the sisters arrived with the food prepared from the night before. The brods arrived on time, but it did not matter because the brods did not bring the food.
As with the party the night before, the guests were impressed
(and amused, no doubt) with the closeness of the batch. I am not sure if the hostess, Mrs. Gaa deliberately set aside a space for the batch or if the batch just naturally gravitated to that part of the room and slipped into their bad batch consciousness habit once again. However, the batch did congregate into one space and drew the guests (and the Ambassador) into it.
After lunch, the party was entertained by pianist extraordinnaire Toots Paragas-Evidente and a few songs by her favorite singer Ricky Rionda '83. The piano pieces were also interrupted by some wailing batch 69 sisters in the background. Pictures, pictures, etc. But the party had to end because the Ambassador and Mrs. Gaa had to leave for an official function. All in all, it was a good day for the batch.
by Rico Alfiler '69, Pres. USPNA Southeast Chapter
Watch the Video - Luncheon at Ambassador Willy and Mrs. Gaa Residence
