Franco Arcilla Photography

The unexpected reunion was just mentioned in passing and as a joke, but never did these people expect for the event to push through.

I was told by my former High School teacher that there was a plan for a grand reunion for the past and present Faculty and Staff of Formation School and Kiddies' Learning Center, Inc, and that pledges were also welcome.

So at the back of my mind, I was planning to giver them a small amount, just a little something that could contribute to the success of this event. Unfortunately, finances are a bit thin as of the moment, so I became an unexpected guest and volunteered to cover the event for them.

Despite the short meeting, it brought back a whole plethora of memories shared between and among the attendees, myself included.

Though it was unspoken, it brought back a sense of kinship that was sometimes just reserved to family. Laughter rang loud and sharing of current statures and experiences abound.

The past was dug up, including the not so easy paths (and even lovelives???) that these educators have been through since leaving the school.

Personally, I have these very people to be thankful for. Most of the things that I have been equipped with, I have learned from these dedicated human beings during my formative years. I have left high school soaring and unafraid as to what awaits me, be it in college of even at work, all because of the knowledge and wisdom, and even character building that they have imparted to us, the students.

Despite the small number of attendees, due to some previous engagements and physical absence from the country, I'm glad I came to this event and bear witness to this momentous occasion. I hear there is a grander reunion in the horizon, and I hope that each of these molders of the future, the past and present of the small school of Formation School and Kiddies' Learning Center, Inc., would all be able to meet again.

Imagine a roomful of ladies who have not seen each other for a long while. Ladies who have been classmates decades ago. Ladies who have since then led different lives. Ladies who have made their livelihood beyond Cebu and even beyond the Philippines.

Now imagine them finally coming together, after a few decades of not seeing each other. Yep! Wherever they are gathered in this three-day journey, from March 17-19, 2018, there are sure to be varying levels of peals of laughter, several loud whoops of joy, and many more exchanging of stories and catching up.

These ladies have made a trip down memory lane, reliving mischievous moments and a rekindling of friendships that have dimmed, but never put out, even through the test of time.

Their first day was dedicated to visiting their Alma Mater. They first held a mass at the school chapel. You could actually hear them whisper various experiences back when they were donned in their school uniform and confessing to priests their sins on a weekly basis.

The mass was quickly followed by a short program of thanksgiving, especially to the committee who have spent tireless efforts in organizing the three-day event. They also presented some of the school faculty, a donation of a brand new computer system for the library. A gesture greatly appreciated by the school administration.

Finally, they had a class picture in the various locations on the school grounds. Several pictures as a whole batch and a few more pictures representing their section colors of Green, Blue, Yellow, Pink, and Red, back in the day.

Later in the evening, they were all invited to Dr. Chin's residence, dressed in their best Grecian costumes. The place was filled with ladies garbed in white and their section color as wreaths around their heads. The night was filled with good food, good company, games, and a whole lot of dancing.

The second day was dedicated to giving back some of the bountiful blessings that they have received. They visited an orphanage, and provided gifts and a lunch treat for these less fortunate souls.

Finally, the conclusion of their grand reunion was spent at Chateu by the Sea.

The night was filled with the ladies in red cocktail dresses, with their hair done, and make up on. They were dressed to kill the party. Energy was high and laughter was filling the air in competition with the background music.

The night was filled with various games, dance competitions, and a host who kept them laughing the entire night.

When the night wore on and it was clear that the event was about to end, hugs were passed all around, some with teary eyes, but big smiles on their faces and even bigger and fuller smiles in their hearts.

The reunion is one for the books, a memory that could last them a lifetime.

This cutie patootie has turned 2 and is celebrating her birthday here in the Philippines.

She is the first daughter of one of my bestest friends Jazzie Rose Gimenez. I've only ever seen photos of her previously and it was a great delight to finally see her in person.

She is at times very, "MEH!". But is not at all a big crybaby when you try to carry her. And more precious than that, are the moments when she squeals with delight and shows off a rare smile and laugh.

Happy Birthday, Jael!

This album contains pictures during the induction of new members to the Knights of Mary (KOM) as well as the renewal of vows for their old members.

This even happens every year, as a reminder for the old members to continue their service and to welcome new people in the fold of service to the Church and its many constituents.

Congratulations to the new members and more power to the existing ones, especially to their ever devoted and energetic Kuya, Ray Anthony Riveral, who tirelessly makes events like these successful and enjoyable to the members and their families.

Baby Mariemaia Ive, Mary for short, is welcomed into the Christian World on the 23rd of December, 2017 at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in F. Llamas St.

It was a simple ceremony, attended only by the family and closest friends.

Baby Mary is the second child of Miss Sharon and Sir Angell Rowland and younger sister to Kuya Claed Rowland.

It was a momentous occasion, as Baby Mary is another blessing to the Senina Family.

Billy Graham once said that, "The greatest legacy one can pass on to one's children and grandchildren is not money or other material things accumulated in one's life, but rather a legacy of character and faith."

Photos Taken by Louie Plaza.

I've never really thought that I would once more set foot into an event of my previous company, much less be the photographer for the event.

And yet, here I am. It felt good to be back, but not as a participant, I had to earn my meal for the night.

SES celebrates their Christmas Party with the Magic Ball Theme. Gents came in their best tux and the Ladies in their glamorous gowns. Everybody was dressed and glammed up for the evening.

It was pretty nostalgic for me seeing all the faces I used to see everyday in the hallways while it was also fun seeing a whole lot of new faces.

It was an excellent night, full of fun and laughter.

Thanks to Charles Benedict Mendoza for the opportunity.

Cheers to SES!

The King of North (also known as Aegon Targaryen) celebrates his First Name Day with friends and family.

People from all over the realm have come to pay homage to the King on his First.

There were a lot of laughs and games for the residents of the realm, and if they perform real well, the King rewards them generously.

Even a court jester has been contracted to make the evening a memorable one.

Of course, all this is a side show in his quest for the Iron Throne, where he is the one and rightful heir.

Long live the King!

So here I am again. I have been given another opportunity to cover an event, and this time, it is to witness a love that transcends decades - 5 decades to be exact.

Romy and Melba are celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary, and with that, their children decided to mark this milestone and celebrate this special occasion, with family and friend as witnesses in their renewal of vows!

Wow! Fifty years! In today's time, one can only hope and wish that such would also be the fate of their own marital relationships.

Their story started like any other, she was a local entrepreneur, and he was somebody who was business minded as well. He saw her, and decided that he wanted her to be his wife.

There were an exchange of letters - a lot of them (as emails and texts were an unimaginable thing back then). She fell in love. So did he. Before everything was said and done, they tied the knot in Mandaue City.

They were blessed with three children, 1 boy and 2 girls. With any marriage, they have their own struggles - but none probably as much as theirs. They experienced a life of having very little else, when their house, along with their store - the very source of the couples' livelihood - were reduced to cinders due to a fire.

Despite that, both Romy and Melba pushed through the challenge that life has laid upon them, all the while still being able to send their three children into private schools. They do not rest for anything.

They have been through many highs and probably many lows, but despite that, here they stand, proud survivors of marital challenges, proud parents and grand parents to their children and grandchildren, celebrating their 50 Years of Marriage.

Congratulations Romy and Melba, you serve as inspiration not only to your children and grandchildren, but to many of your relatives and friends as well. Cheers to many more years!

PS. A big thank you to Miss Bebe Paz for trusting my services on this very special occasion.

Helping out a friend for her Online Dress Business.
Go ahead and take a look. You might like something in there.

Just click on the link below:
https://www.facebook.com/Dress-Up-216731568827176/

So I had another opportunity to cover a very special event, the 60th Birthday of Miss Elena Rodriguez.

Miss Rodriguez exclaimed during the shoot, "Why are there so many dramatics?" We explained that it is not everyday someone reaches the age of 60. And it is a milestone for anyone to reach that age.

Her children even joked that as she is now a Senior Citizen, she could now enjoy the 20% discount that is offered for them in almost all establishments, not to mention free movies every now and then.

What made this celebration even grander was the fact that Miss Rodriguez had just had a major knee surgery. In a way, this was also a big thanksgiving for the success of that surgery.

The night was filled with much enthusiasm. Surprising, since most of the visitors were of the golden age. It brought about the adage that age is just a number, and that anyone could really have a good time, if you want to.

It was clear that Miss Rodriguez was a beloved family member. From her husband, to her children, to her relatives, and even her friends have naught to say but very good things about her. It was clear that she had always made time and have made sacrifices for each and everyone of them in the past, and that these people are grateful for those moments he has shared with them. Now, they are only too happy to have spent this evening with her, celebrating with her and ushering in her golden years.

For sure, this is one for the Royal Queen Elena's books.

Another year passed. Another celebration. Thank God for all the blessings.

A smashing year-ender celebration for a smashing FY16.

Hoping for more good things to come for FY17.

A get together of family and friends before two hearts are joined in Holy Matrimony.