Rodney Tucay & Nida Rodrigo (ADB 1976)
The snow and winter chill on 29 December 2007 did not stop former colleagues and families from renewing friendship over a sumptuous Chinese buffet lunch replete with festivity, exchanges, and laughter, which continued a full 3 hours.
Toronto is blessed with five husband and wife teams: Rey and Ellen Ballares, Ernie and Leah Flores, Jun and Malou Trasporto, Mike and Tina Sanchez, and Leo and Celine Abada.
Visitors in 2008 included New Yorkers Nena Villena and daughter and Mila Simolde in August (visiting Linda Trabulsi); and Lea Gojo, and Nes and Rose Diasanta of Manila in November (visiting Ernie and Leah Flores), duly secured by Roger Viernes, formerly of ADB’s security unit.
During summer we had a BBQ-picnic at Paz Ravadilla’s home, from mid-afternoon to almost midnight.
The year-round agenda was always reconnecting, sharing happy memories, and enjoying good food.
Ernie and Leah hosted the big bang to celebrate Christmas and welcome 2009 on December 27. Out-of-town guests included Dr Rodney Tucay, (Medical Clinic) of Ohio, an honorary member of AFE–ADB Toronto, Lourdes Marzan of Washington DC, and Nes Diasanta and wife Rose of Manila. Three wise men and a princess from the east came in their regalia. Coach Jun Trasporto (alias Abdul of Qatar bowling team) came in regal thawb and ghutra. Rodney Tucay wore a fur coat and Russian fur cap with red star and sported a Dr Zhivago moustache/beard. Rey Ballares was a Japanese samurai sans armor and sword. Nida Rodrigo was modest with a shawl covering her hair and looked like a mid-eastern princess.
After the sumptuous feast prepared by US-trained Master Chef Ernie, the group spent the night in games, ADB trivia (business and technical), and a Toronto Idol Sing and Dance contest—yes, ADB Toronto can sing!
ADB trivia did elicit protest from those who left ADB during the IBM selectric era and had not heard of the Office of Computer Services! Singing idols in pairs drew lots from the list of old tunes, and hit the notes with gusto. With all inhibitions gone, everyone impatiently waited to grab the mike to sing ala Celine, Elvis, or Madonna.
Past 1:00 AM, we parted with hugs, kisses, and warm greetings and nonstop camera clicks and flashes. We all felt again the kinship and camaraderie, and were thankful that we once worked and lived under the ADB roofs at Roxas Boulevard and Ortigas