December 11, 2006 – The weather outside was frightful but the party inside was delightful! Well, what did you expect when Christmas party co-chairs Cherry Utleg and Janine Castillo join forces? The chapter’s dynamic socials duo made sure that the association’s 2006 Holiday Party at the Sunset Park Clubhouse in Walnut Creek last night was a rousing success. Janine took charge of decorating the place and organizing what turned out to be a very entertaining musical program. For her part, Cherry used her culinary skills to dish out an impressive buffet table that was enjoyed by over 50 alumni and their spouses/guests.
Cherry started the festivities at 3:30PM by delivering the welcome address. Chapter president Romi Beza then led the group in a prayer of thanksgiving before everyone partook of the delicious banquet. Towards the end of the dinner, MC Frank Batara opened the musical program and music chair Henry Torres obliged with gusto by showcasing his vocal ensemble La Voz. What followed after was a mini-concert of sort by Minda Azarcon’s vocal talents, namely, Cocoy Ventura, Robbie Herrera and our very own Janine Castillo and the loving couple Ike and Cora Tiongson. In-between the song numbers, Romi’s son Chris played a cello Christmas carol. The highlight of the program was the Pilipino and holiday instrumental renditions by the Tradicion Rondalla led by chapter members Ginny Maristela and Cota Yabut.
After the musical numbers, Janine led everyone in a spirited singing of “Twelve Days of Christmas” before enjoining the partygoers in an array of fun – some of them naughty! –games. As if this was not enough, Janine and Frank led the group in dancing the rest of the night away. Towards the end of the end of the evening, Frank noted the almost-perfect attendance of the chapter’s past presidents for the past 16 years, namely, Minda Azarcon, Lettie Figueroa, Jay Castro, Vangie Poe-Quesada and Joe Aliling.
Kudos once again to Cherry and Janine not only for organizing the party but also for donating the flowers, food and drinks. Janine also split with Frank Batara paying for the services of the DJ/DI and provided the wine along with Romi. The organizers worked hard to bring the old espirit de corps back to fore and were appropriately rewarded by a thoroughly delightful evening. Thank you to one and all!
Photo 1: Henry Torres (left flank) kicks off the program along with his La Voz ensemble. 
Photo 2: The livewire MC Frank Batara. 
Photo 3: Minda Azarcon provides piano accompaniment for Cocoy Ventura. 
Photos 4-6: Robbie Herrera, Ike & Cora Tiongson and Janine Castillo take turns showcasing their vocal talents. 
