Holiday Greetings

Happy Holidays to ALL!

Cyril/Lea/Cathleen/ Justin/Lauramae

------------------------

To All,

Merry Christmas Everyone and Congratulations to the newly wed,
Yehey.....

May you have a Prosperous New Year.

Nanding and Ellie

------------------------

Hi Angge & all,

First, I wish you all Love, Peace, Happiness and may the Holy Spirit fill your Christmas with heavenly bliss.

I'd also wish everyone Prosperity this coming year 2009 ! ! !

Merry Christmas,

Nicksr

------------------------

To all kabalitaan, too,

Ako din ay nais na bumati sa inyong lahat ng Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon...mag ingat kayong lagi...nawa ay magkitakita tayong muli.

Angge and family

-----------------------

Dear All Ka Balitaan,

Isang Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon saan man Tayo naroroon.

Best regards,

Ka Ed T and Family

Christmas Greetings from the Leysons!

Dave and Mario Jr at National City

Taken today (US 8 pm, Wed 19 Nov 2008) at National City (near San Diego CA) after Dave Dumlao picked me up at downtown San Diego and had drink at Embarcadero Marina Park after more than ten years.

We had a long chat and he said that Manong Fortunato Dilan and wife, Aida; will be coming to Las Vegas this December as migrants.

USS Essex (LHD-2) SBMA 2008 Visit

Dear to all SRF Tropa,

Attached pictures are just reminding us of scenes during our days at SRF, Alava pier.

I took these pictures from the SBMA New Seaport Building, formerly NSD Admin Bldg. and from the SBMA Admin Ground, formerly US Naval Station, I think...


Regards,

Reynaldo S. ROSEL

As per deployment records, USS Essex is a perrenial visitor to the Philippines. This last on a Talon Vision PHIBLEX '09, 19 September 2008. This year's January to June - Balikatan 2008RSOI/Foal Eagle '08 and Cobra Gold 2008.

According to Wikipedia, "USS Essex (LHD-2) is a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship built at what is now the Northrop Grumman Shipyard in Pascagoula, Mississippi, and commissioned on 17 October 1992... On 26 July 2000, after successful completion of the largest crew swap in U.S. Navy history, Essex replaced Belleau Wood (LHA-3) and inherited the distinctive role as the Navy’s only permanently forward-deployed Amphibious Assault Ship in United States Fleet Activities Sasebo, Japan.

October & November Birthday Celebrants: Happy Birthday!

Reynaldo Victoria wrote:

Belated Happy Birthday greetings to the October celebrants and Happy birthday to the November folks!


Emil Eclarinal
Efenito "Penny" Mendigorin
Janet Mercurio
Lucy P. Solano
Mario Mirador
Ressie Adamos
Charrie Guevarra

Rene Pillagara
Alfonso Leyson
Gloria Reyes & Jun Santos Sr
Arlene Musa
Godo Edquiban
Edison Triguero

Dave Dumlao with The Hurricane

This is the third of the pictures sent in by Dave with Ana "The Hurricane" Julaton from Daly City, California.

According to Boxing Encyclopedia, the San Franciscan born, 28 year old:

"Ana "The Hurricane" Julaton was a standout amateur boxer. She won the San Francisco Golden Gloves, the California State Championships, was a Diamond Belt champion, and closed out her amateur career by winning the silver medal in the United States Amateur Championships. She is presently trained by famed trainer, Freddie Roach."

Thanks Dave for sharing your pictures with us and seeing your recent photos.

Felizardo "Fely" Dela Cruz

This is the other picture emailed by Dave Dumlao. This was taken at the Manny Pacquaio Promotions in San Diego.

Dave wrote:

"It was indeed an exciting and very succesful promotion by Manny Pacquiao. Photos with Ana "The Hurricane" Julaton, very promising Filipina boxer, yet so gorgeous.....whoah!

Mang Fely Dela Cruz and Buddy Dumlao enjoying the show."

Salvador "Buddy" Dumlao: Pioneer SRF Shop 67

This is one of the pictures emailed by Module Section Shop 67 tropa, Dave Dumlao; of his dad and Shop 67 Module Section pioneer (according to Ved Reyes), Mr Salvador "Buddy" Dumlao.

According to Ved, Mr Buddy Dumlao is one of the pioneers Shop 67 who set up SPS-40 RADAR and Module Section in the old and Shop 67 pre-cursor; Naval Electronics Activity Command, Philippines (NEACPhil).

Welcome to the Balitaan: Marlon Garcia

Ka Ed Triguero said:

"Dear Marlon,

Thanks for the photo. Di kita gaanong nakilala dahil sa buhok, sa facial yon pa rin medyo tumaba lang.

Kwento sa akin ni Elly na nagkita kayo sa Baguio. Sa Baguio kana ba naka base? Kung taga Baguio ka malamang na maging magkababayan tayo pag natuloy kaming sa Baguio manirahan.

Magandang weekend as lahat ng kabalitaan.

Regards,

Ka Ed T"

Marlon replied:

Dear Ka Ed,

Tumaba talaga ako, actually, pinagsabihan nga ako ng Doctor during my last check-up to lose weight na raw kasi nasa early stage na raw ako ng obesity. Ang hirap naman kasing pigilan kumain. Pero nagmemenor na rin ako sa pagkain kasi matanda na rin ako, kailangan na rin maging health conscious.

By the way, hindi ako taga-Baguio pero malapit lang kami sa Baguio. Taga-Bauang, La Union ako, kaya pwede pa rin tayong magkita at magkakwentuhan pag nanirahan na kayo dun.

Maraming kamusta sa lahat ng srf tropang 6167.

Regards,

Marlon"

August 2008 SRF Reunion

For those who have not seen the photos of the recent August 2, 2008 SRF Reunion in San Diego, Ca; above shows (from left): Edna Rivera-Ronquillo, Lito Bustamante and Cha & hubby.

See Edna's blog here.

Dide

Another new member of the Balitaan tropa, Mr Florencio "Dide" De Dios.

I did not know that Dide is here in Oz. I know Leo Bilog, Boy Mendoza, Vaning De Guzman, Rey Ico etc. were all in Victoria, save from Dide.

This is what he has to say when he wrote to Rey:

"Hi Rey,

Ito yong litrato ko pakibigay mo sa tropa para ma ilagay na nila ako as a member. Medyo me pagkakaiba ang buhay dito kaysa diyan, medyo slowdito kaysa diyan. Marami pala kayo diyan ang saya niyo siguro. Ang gaganda pala ng mga anak mo, hope to see you one day, I may visit my brother next year. Take care and God bless.

Regards,

Dide"

Welcome to the Balitaan Dide (for De Dios, just in case you are wondering!).

Al Leyson and Ed Lacbain in Cali

Here is another picture I managed to see sa aking baul ng downloaded pictures. Ka Al sent us this picture not too long ago when he saw Ka Ed sa kanilang street. Ka Hal is from SONAR, while Ka Ed is from ECM. Both are looking fit and well and still working hard (?) or hardly working.

Godo Edquiban Jr: From Haiti With Much Love

After much prodding from Tito Rey to MarMir and Bayani, Godo sent us his picture all the way from Haiti where he is working for a long time with his family. Chick magnet...

He says:

"Seryoso lang,

The life here is not that easy, there is nothing in here like we have in the PI, USA, Canada or Australia. The life of a kid is here is very abnormal, there is no mcdo, jollibee, wendy etc... in here.

Businessmen are afraid to invest their money in here, because of the situation we are having since four years ago. Kidnapping is very rampant, strikes and manifestations. Businesses are close on Sundays. Drug dealers are all around, but the casino needs them.

So, when I get bored I have to go to Miami, once every 2 or 3 monnths, especially when I see that my kids are bored of watching TV.

Our motto in here is YOU HAVE TO LOVE IT OR LEAVE IT!!!

Everything is expensive here such as clothing. Ang mura dito ay bayad sa katulong, about a hundred US a month, schools are so expensive too.

The only good thing here is most of us don't mind the law, basta may kakilala ka ayos na. Imagine this, when I get in and out of the airport, I have a police escort for me not to fall in line, entry, ticketing, custom and immigration. But, above all this, I still have fear, when I go home; when my kids leave the school.

We are always praying that all of us will be safe."

I guess kayu MarMir applying there is out of the question. Everywhere there are always pros and cons. But we will always pray for Godo and family that they will be safe; and for Haitian women to be safe from our chick magnet Godo.

Sydney Mini Reunion for Cata

Above are the only two better pictures I've taken of the last mini reunion at Novy and Anthony's house.

We just though of taking some pictures when Mimi was about to leave. Unfortunately we did not managed to catch Mimi as she is not feeling well. She's not the only one as Anthony, one of our hosts is still battling the effects of flu.

The weather was pretty good and Anthony and Novy and kids are such wonderful hosts. As usual there are plenty of food and drinks around. Some of our friends did not made it but we had a fun day never the less. It was nice to see Cata and family back in Sydney for a visit.

If you have a better picture of the event to share, please email it to me or via our Balitaan Yahoo Groups.

Jimbok Sending His Regards

Recent picture of Jimbok (aka Jimmy Mallari) taken at work (obviously).

Mukhang me tao... heheheheheee. He's pretending to work. Joke lang.

Jimmy emailed Ved to say hello and regards to all the 67/61 Tropa, especially the ones in Sydney.

Sydneysiders August "Reunion" - 16 Aug 2008

Photo shows (from left) Anthony, Mimi, Jei and Tolayts, Class 88 at the last reunion.

Mimi emailed the Balitaan Shop 67/61 Yahoo Group to announce the "meet and greet" for Cata (aka Jerry Mina) and his family, this Saturday, 16 August at the Anthony and Novy Aluad's residence at Toucan Crescent, Plumpton; starting at 1:00 PM.

Jerry and family moved from Sydney to Melbourne more than a couple years ago and seems to be missing the 67/61 Tropa. So if you are missing him too, please come to this mini-reunion timed for their Sydney visit, another excellent excuse to party!

Please bring a dish or dessert and drinks to share.

The tropa would like to thank Novy and Anthony for hosting this event. As Mimi said, "Thank and praise God for their generosity."

If you haven't RVSP, please do so for catering purposes.

Mr Art Castelo Passed Away: 11 July 2008

In an email by GNS, aka Ka Nestor Sia:

"Mr Art Castelo of ECM TACAN (section) has just passed away 11 July 2008. Mr. Mario Baylon Sr and Mr. Isabelo "Jun" Soriano concurred with me in asking you to send our sympathy and flowers to Art.

JUST A THOUGHT..."

GNS

Unfortunately we don't have other details as to his whereabouts and the date and time of the viewing and funeral.

Our deepest symphaties and condolences to the family and friends of Mr Art Castelo. May he rest in peace.

SRF Shop 61/67 Balitaan Group

---------

I do agree to send flowers and to express our sympathy to Art's family in the name of our group. May he Rest In Peace.

Ka ReyV

---------

Condolence to Mr. Art's family, may he rest in peace......

MarMir

---------

Our condolences to the family of Art Castelo.

Mario Baylon Jr & Family

SRF Subic (USA) 23rd Potluck Reunion: 2nd Aug 2008 Admiral Baker's Field, San Diego

Received an email from Mr Dennis Raymundo announcing the 23rd Potluck Reunion for SRF Subic (USA) members and families. The flyer's details are as follows:

Date: 2nd August 2008 (Saturday) Time: 10:00AM - 4:00PM

Place: Gazebo # 2 Admiral Baker’s Field, 2400 Admiral Baker Road, San Diego Ca 92120

"Let's have fun... DJ, line dancing, karaoke- sing along, old stories from Subic. games….. Whatever makes you happy!

Please bring drinking water, favourite dish and drinks to share. See you all!"

Contact Persons:

Willy Vitug (858) 382-6422
Romy Alcayaga (858) 695-6355
Dadong Torres (619) 980-8046
Edmund Darum (858) 586-7359
Romy Lorica (858) 271-9066
Merle Nafarette Lindstrom (858) 812-1844
Tess Ramos (619) 886-6984
Dennis Raymundo (619) 253-2515
Jun Valenzuela (619) 934-1601
Ed Panes (619) 254-8127
Ben & Vangie Trevias (858) 566-3721
Claire Bash (619) 424-9417
Arman Vale Cruz (619) 788-4308
Sarsi del Mundo (858) 349-9460
Nick Sanchez (619) 572-9083
Rudolfo "Rudy" Nobleza (619) 252-0468

Directions:

From North : I-15 South, (Left) Friars Road and (Left) Admiral Baker Road.

From South : I-15 North, (Right) Friars Road and (Right) Admiral Baker Road.

Bugaw Boyz

Tukayo Mario J sent this photo out with an "Unclassified" heading:

"UNCLASSIFIED: Kitang-kita sa mukha ang mga edad. Nangingintab!!! he-he-he!!!"

From left to right: Mario J, Mario B Jr, Tolayts, Ka Emil, Ani and Ved. This was taken at the last Sydney Oz Shop 67/61 mini reunion kina Tolayts kaya naka pink slippers siya.... hehehee.

Taken at Coco Lime: April 2008

This was taken at Coco Lime (SBMA) when Ved attended the St Jospeh's High School 60th School Reunion. He also took the time to see fellow SRF employees.

Shown above (from left to right) is Ved Reyes (formerly Combat Systems), Mario P. Baylon Sr (Shop 61Elex Cal Lab) and Jun Soriano (Shop 67 Sonar Section).

Edith Sarmineto and kids

Actually Edith's hubby just left before all the picture taking for some business; as in - money making business errand.

So for this photo, only Edith and her kids while hubby and daddy is making more money!

Thess and Joji "ni Thess" Pablico

Another lovely couple, whose romanced started in the halls of Shops 67/61, Thess and Joji Pablico; shown here with their youngest son.

We were talking about Joji and Ved Reyes' first name, "Vedasto". We reckon it is a very unique name that Joji only knows of two other people whose name is Vedasto. Same thing with Ved "Boy" Reyes, who knows only Joji as his namesake.

Joji and Thess are also active in INC, like Zoey and wife, who left after lunch to attend choir practice. Good thing the local Iglesia church is just across Western Highway from Tolayt's house.

Irene and Mario Baylon Jr

That's me and my wife, Irene (nee Mendoza). I guess we are the only couple who did not met in Shops 67/61. I met my wife at Columban College, where most of the apprentices also study after work.

Irene use to work for Fuji-Xerox Olongapo and was assigned as a work comptroller at PWC, handling all Fuji-Xerox maintenance work Subic/Cubi/Olongapo wide.

Jun and Mimi Capistrano

Here's another couple very much active in Couples for Christ and Gawad Kalinga, Mimi and Jun Capistrano; pictured here with one of their sons.

They just live a stone throw away (in short, malapit lang!) from Tolayts and Ruth's place.

Ani and Aerlene Musa

Another "product" of Shops 67/61 who met at work and got married. Now this couple have three grown up young men, which is why they no longer come with their parents; as all grown up kids tend to do.

They are also active in Church and in Couples for Christ, like most of our Shops 67/61 tropa. One of our originals SRF in Sydney Oz balitaan group.

Jing and Jei Tallada

Just continuing on featuring our Sydney Oz kabalitaan members of Shops 67/61 who attended this month's reunion.

Well, what can we say about Jing and Jei (sounds much better, than "Jei and Jing", isn't it?). They are a happy couple with an all girl brood (shown here with one of them). They' re active in church and love to sing and play various instruments.

The Bachelors

From left, Mar Guerra, Emil, Anthony and Zoey. Actually, Zoey's wife left earlier for church.

For those single ladies reading this, they are not really bachelors. Nagkukuwanri lang...

The Kids

Sorry I don't know the names of these kids (except duon sa 3rd and 4th from the left, mga apo ng Mrs ko yan, Ashlee and Jaylen) at kung kani-kanino sila. Just leave a comment on this page for their names.

The 1st on the left eh bunso ni Tess, followed yata ng ke Edith, after ng mga apo ni Irene, anak ni Tolayts in stripes (all girls, babaero kasi! Hehehehe... kidding lang), tapos ke Edith and lastly yung girl on far right ke Jei. That is my best guess.

Lito and Ruth Almazan: The Hosts

Siyempre, next ang mga hosts, Ruth and Lito "Tolayts" Almazan.

We found out later that Tolayts moonlights as The Filipino Channel (TFC) resident contractor technical support and installer. He is inundated with work kaya maraming nag-apply na tropa para sidekick nya!

Ved and Ruth Reyes

We took some pictures ng mga couples (yung iba Couples for Christ).

First off is Ved and Ruth Reyes.

Hindi ito according to age. According to the sequence ng picture taking.

All Aboard HMAS 6167

Upon the request of Ani Musa, "Tito Rey.......malapit ng mapuno ng mga crew ng ating dapor....baka pwedeng magkaroon ng sister ship, HMAS 61/67."

"Nice of you to respond so quickly. OK ba sa lahat kung hindi lamang members ng balitaan ang kasali sa poster but including their spouses too?" Tito Rey said.

Tito Rey Victoria immediately commissioned HMAS 6167. Thank You Tito Rey for the wonderful artwork!

Sabi naman ni Mike (Sinongco) "Saan ang ibang ka batch namin? Cristy, Relly and Mon L. And daming guwapo at guwapita sa pictures. At wala pang mga puting buhok. Di ba Noel?"

I am afraid naiwan sila sa Sydney Harbour at di nakasakay sa dapor. Maybe next time...

Noel said...

Photo shows Dave Dumlao and Noel Fabrigas at (I think??) the Dumlao's "The GoatFather" goat farm in Southern California.

"Where are the rest of the pictures guys. We want to see more. Masaya sigurado ang re-union.

Magaling mag-alaga ang mga guys. All the ladies shows sign of good living: Arlene, Jie, Mimi, Tess and all the rest. Asan ang other half ni Zoey, Emil and Mar J.?

Si Ved R. not much of a change, lalo pang bumata (he-he). Mar B and Emil, life's is like that when you go DOWN UNDER too often, lumalawak ang hihilamusan (joke lang)."

Well gusto na yatang simulan ang alaskahan... heheheee. How about sending one of your pics without the bonnet... hehehee... joke din.

Meron ka yatang ibig sabihin tungkol sa "good living" ng mga ladies. Kasi kakain lang eh... busog pa sila! Di ba mga ladies?

This was a good opportunity to publish this picture of Dave and Noel, bago lang ito. Panay ang inuman yata nila sa goat farm ni Dave... panay papaitan. Well, nagdala din ng papaitan si "Chef" Emil. Ang bagong racket, ehe sideline pala at passion nya ngayon eh cooking at catering. Kita naman sa katawan di ba? I mean naiinitan ang ulo kaya nalalagas ang buhok namin.

Incidentally pala Noel, the Hoff (James Hoffman) didn't showed up. Anyway we will track his email and phone number for you. Kababata at school mate ni Ani si James.

Some of the ladies eh busy kaya wala, except for Zoey's wife who have to "eat and run" and go to church. I am sure we have a picture of her somewhere.

Mimi Said "Thanks"

Photo shows the ladies posing for another photo, this time inside Ruth and Tony's sala. Ruth kept insisting that we go inside their lovely home, but I guess being SRF'ers we were used to the more "relaxed" outside settings of their garage and marquee (tent).

"The mini reunion was indeed a good one.....time to once again reminiscing the past happy moments of our SRF days. A big thanks to Tolits and Ruth for hosting this gathering. Also to Tess and Jei for organising the event. It's good to see you all once again." Mimi

But above all, thanks to all who showed up and shared their time and stories. Not to mention the food and drinks all shared, which could have fed a small country!

Meanwhile, Lerma said (via email):

"Hi there guys! I enjoyed looking at the pics, ang saya rin ng mini reunion niyo dyan sa Aussie. Its nice seeing you kahit sa pics lang, medyo nahirapan lang akong kilalanin yung ibang guys, like Joji ni Thess at si Zoey. Buti na lang nilagyan ng captions ni Kuya MarBJ, thanks! Congratulations to all of you who shared happy times once in awhile. More pics to come please."

So to all those who took photos, please email me a copy of your favorite ones!

While Ramir remarked:

"Congrats sa mini reunion sa Aussie! Nakita ko na ulit si host Tolights, we're both comm techs sa Saudi Royal Navy. Walang kupas pati si Kuya Boy Reyes. Ayos! God bless! " (Jose Ramir T. Ballesteros, S-67 Batch 92)

Marami ngang nainggit ke "Kuya" Ved "Boy" Reyes. One of the guys even touched his hair to make sure it is the real thing! From the photos, alam nyo na kung sino yun.

June 1 2008 Mini Reunion Photo

The ladies updating each other (in short nag-chi-chismisan, just kidding), while partaking some of the numerous food and desserts.



While the boys are all smiles, for no other reason than they are enjoying each other's company or maybe they are tipsy from too much wine and liquor (???).

Front row (from left to right): Mimi's husband, Jun Capistrano, Joji Pablico, Emil Eclarinal and Jing Tallada.

Back row (from left to right): Ved Reyes, Mar Baylon Jr, Zoey Zuniga, Ani Musa and Lito Almazan.

The Ladies Photo Opt

From left to right: Ruth Reyes, Irene Baylon, Jei Tallada, Tess Pablico, Aerlene Musa, Ruth Almazan, Mimi Capistrano and Edith Sarmiento.

Photo with the Host: Tolayts

Photo above shows, from left to right: Mar Jueco, Mar Baylon Jr, our host; Lito "TFC-Tolayts" Almazan, Emil "The Chef" Eclarinal, Bayani "Ani" Musa and Ved "Boy" Reyes.

The tropa wishes to thank our host Tolayts and Ruth for welcoming us to their lovely home.

June 1 2008 Mini Reunion

Photo above shows former workmates at the old Subic Bay Ship Repair Facility, Shop 67 (Electronics) and Shop 61 (Calibration) having a mini reunion in Rooty Hill (a suburb of Sydney), New South Wales, Australia.

June 1 did not bode well weather-wise.

When we were doing the barbeque, it started to rain. But even this autumn wet weather could not dampen the excitement of seeing each other. We usually communicate via phone, SMS and our Balitaan Yahoo Groups. This is one "eyeball" reunion we had for a long time.

Won't bore you with too many chit chats, but instead present the pictures of the reunion.