The Tapok-tapok sa Davao 2015 ( 02February 2015)

By Apolinario Villalobos

After three absences from the reunions, I finally made it when it was scheduled at daytime. I was having second thoughts about attending until I took a flight to Davao six days before the event. Of all people, Tita Manabat was my seatmate on the flight! Because of long absence of contact, we had an animated conversation about the last reunion that I attended held at the North Palm Hotel and Garden in Lanang. She resolutely reminded me about the February 2 “tapok” at the residence of Boy Jolampong.

Being excited, I was the first to arrive at the venue, exactly at 1:20 PM, although the schedule was at 2PM. The comfortable venue was the family’s gym on the second floor. The humble host, Boy Jolampong was assisted by his mestiza and pretty wife, Beth and daughter. As if the Almighty was happy about the eventful day’s “tapok”, it was blessed with intermittent drizzle.

Before 3PM, the Mindanao PALers who filled  the gym were James Hannen, Deo  Escarilla who came with his wife Vilma, Art Balaga, Tita Manabat, Bernie Fernandez, Delfin and Minda Talattad, Horace Abear, Vic Ruperto, Nonoy Banzuelo, Sonny Cruz, Jun Dizon, Joe Jimenez, and Amading Solistrino. Some retirees who initially confirmed their coming and really tried their best to attend but failed due to unavoidable circumstances were Atty. Doming Duerme who got stranded at M’lang, Bong Velasco, Punay and Phraim Fernandez, as well as, Ludy Bagares and Archie Batu who were both on duty at the airport. As expected, the stars of the show because of their jokes were Horace Abear, Sonny Cruz, Art Balaga and Deo Escarilla.

Incindentally, the reunion was made more significant because of the birthday of the two members – Ding Talattad (February 1) and the host, Boy Jolampong, though belated (January 26).

The PALers, as usual are thankful to the selfless effort of Deo Escarilla in coordinating among the members and as always, too, the spirit behind the reunion events. It has been his advocacy aside from being an active text evangelist. He is ably supported literally, by his pretty and ever smiling wife Vilma who also acts as the photographer. 

(Note: tapok-tapok is a Visayan term for "get together" or "reunion")