When friends get together during the holiday season

Dear Friends,

Carla & Randy Villanueva

Vic & Ging Cagulada

Melle & Oca Calderon

Rene & Marivic Padolina

Ed & Lucy Bernardo

Rading Cariasa

Julito & Gundy Cruz

Arnel Pineda

I felt I just wanted to send everyone my very best wishes for the holidays and, given our different circumstances, and with the current economic conditions, I hope everyone to have the best Christmas possible with their families and loved ones. As we gather for the holiday season, many of us will be thinking of Bong who is afflicted with cancer and every one closed to him is touched by the disease. Today is no different among us....only a week ago when we heard the news ....it's just too depressing. During the Thanksgiving weekend, Bong was hospitalized at the Glendale Memorial Hospital and and the news did not reach us until after he had gone home. No one did not have a chance to visit him at the hospital but we understand considering that Bong have to go through a series of test and more. Thanks to Carla for initiating and calling everyone for this so called " reunion " - it only took a quick phone call and everyone responded and showed up this Saturday, December 13 at Bong's residence at 3939 Brunswick Avenue in Atwater Village . It's been awhile since we all got together, but the camaraderie never fails..... as you say the first " hello " or gave the first hug or embrace, the time lost was instantly reconnected. The smiles are noticeable in every one's faces...for all, it was a time to relive old memories, reconnect with old friends and rekindle friendships. For Bong's friends and family, all we need is to be open to allow our ailing friend to talk freely about his illness, his options and his fears and of course, he needs our powerful prayers for his recovery. I won't forget to thank Emma, Bong's better half for sharing him to us and welcoming everyone to their home and I could sense how Bong was so happy to get together again. Before we parted, the group planned for another party for the Super Bowl XLIII celebration at Bong's place ( same time ) . So for those who did not make the first one, you guys can plan ahead for the upcoming get together on the first Sunday of February 1st, 2009. For those who will be celebrating their birthdays in January, you can join me there since mine is January 30. Wait for the email from Carla and hope to see you again ! Rudy & Liza de Leon