This Year's Online Chats

December 2003

Four alums managed to break away from Christmas preparations to chat for about three hours.

Ann Russell's going to be in the San Francisco Bay area for Christmas to visit with family.  She'll also visit with alums from the 70's classes, including Gail Hutlberg, Dan O'Bannon, and Rick Terrassa, at an alum holiday party in the Sacramento area.  Ann mentioned that Tom Perrine is presently in the Bay area but will return to the PI a few days before Christmas.

Alan Cox will be in Houston for Christmas.  He'll watch his alma mater, Texas Tech, take on Navy in the Houston Bowl.  

Rick Velayo, Steve Fellerman and Andy Butler are spending Christmas at home. 
Rick's looking forward to a possible visit by Ann Russell and her classmate Lynn Farris to his jewelry store.  Rick's been selected for an office with the California jewelry association which may lead to his becoming its president in a few years.  (Rick's 3-day term as Dictator-for-Life-of the-Bahamas-Cruise apparently whetted his political appetite...<g>)  Congratulations Rick!  And look out Arnold....

Steve will let his fingers do the traveling Christmas by calling Australian alums Mike Casey (70) and Lisa Miles (73).  He's "grounded" for the next three months until his wife retires in February but they'll be celebrating in Vegas by the end of that month! 

Andy is planning to head to New Jersey around New Year's to visit Sue Samara (71). 
He mentioned that his brother Brian (70) is planning on moving to Hawaii soon.

Chatting this month were:

November 2003

Six alums chatted over three hours about everything from Philippine politics to their Thanksgiving plans.

Manila alum Phil Adamson advised that another actor, Fernando Poe, may enter the Presidential election.  This led to snickering about "Ahnold" becoming California Governor and to a Strongman Party "dream ticket" for the US 2004 election: Arnold and Jesse (Ventura).  For inauguration, Arnold and Jesse can take turns "piledriving" Saddam!  

But alums were much more interested in hearing about Phil's coed volleyball parties which can go as late as 3 AM.  Rick Velayo demonstrated that his memory of Phil's house is excellent after all these years by asking very specific questions about the location of the volleyball and the swimming pool.  Phil will be seeing Jeff Cole (72), in Manila with the U.S. Embassy, at a wine and cheese party in early December.

Classmates Phil Adamson and Barney Carville enjoyed a mini-reunion.  Phil was very interested to hear that his classmate works in the corporate office of Harrah's and Rio casinos.  (Another 70s alum is a VP with MGM, so 70s alums are very well connected in Vegas.)  Barney graciously offered to host a BBQ at his home for the "early birds" at the next Vegas reunion.

The location of the 70's classes 2004 Columbus Day reunion was discussed.  New Orleans is apparently out since that is high season.  Rick Velayo and Steve Fellerman expressed enthusiasm for another cruise reunion, which both agreed was the most fun of all the various reunions they've attended.  

Ann Russell will be in DC for Thanksgiving, and Steve Fellerman's headed first to Orlando (where his most important purchase will be two cases of San Miguel) and then to St. Augustine.

Just as the chat was about to end, the Lone Star state appeared.  Rob White advised that despite predictions of cold weather it was actually in the 70's and so he did a lot of yard work.  Andy Butler "amen"-ed that remark.  

Chatting this month were:

October 2003

Even the World Series couldn't dissuade "die hard" alums from chatting for 3 1/2  hours, even if some of them did keep an eye of the TV or an ear to the radio.

70 classmates Kristie Ackerman, Ann Russell, and Steve Fellerman enjoyed a mini-reunion while awaiting the other alums.  This month, both Steve and Kristie had San Miguel and champuy while chatting. Steve, who already had champuy, brought a case of San Miguel back from an Orlando trip and Kristie, who already had San Miguel, was able to order champuy online.

Dave McConeghey and Ann Russell recalled the musicals they were in at AS.  After Shawn Palmer arrived, she remembered how Ann's sister Marion had taught Shawn her first cheerleading moves back in Junior High.

Freddy Gleeck's in New York and will try to have lunch with Dave and Kristie before leaving.  Kristie noted she remembers Freddy when he was a "sweet" eight year old....From New York, Freddy's heading to Orlando and will try to visit Liz Hamra.  Freddy also mentioned he's going to start spending time in Europe each year and wants to have US alums join him for a mini-reunion wherever he is.

Shawn mentioned she's headed Steve's way to spend Thanksgiving in Panama City Beach.  But sayang....Steve's going to Orlando to be a turista (and bring back two cases of San Miguel).  Andy's still uncertain about whether he'll get to Manila for Christmas.

Chatting this month were:

September 2003

Despite hurricanes and typhoons, ten alums from eight states and two countries chatted a good four hours.  

"Virgin" chatter Mike Elder was warmly welcomed by the regulars, some of  whom he'd not been in contact with since leaving Manila in '67 after 7th grade.  Mike's now living in Yokohoma, working for Halliburton, and is married to a Japanese woman.  A typhoon was headed his way....just like when he lived in Manila!

Phil Adamson wished all "Mabuhay' from Manila and advised that he's missed the last few chats because of much traveling, including to Greece and the States.  Andy Butler is still thinking about visiting Manila this Christmas, so maybe he and Phil will share some San Miguel before the year is out.

Kristie Ackerman made classmate Steve Fellerman wistful that she was sipping a San Miguel during the chat while he had to settle for a lesser beverage because he has to "import" San Miguel from his Vegas trips.  But, Steve did make Kristie long for some of the champuy he was sucking on, part of the 5 pounds he brought back from San Francisco Chinatown while at Reunion 2003.  Kristie went on to Tahiti after the  reunion and will send us a photo from there to put on the website.

Ann Russell managed to stay awake for a good part of the chat even though she'd been up since 5 AM.  She knew Mike's older brother Chuck (66) and of course there was the rattling off of common friends.

Joelle Williams reported that her sailboat made it through Hurricane Isabel and although she had power she had no cable.  (But who needs TV when you can chat with  alums!) 

As the chat continued, Steve Fellerman wondered about Karl Meyer's absence all these months...and then to his pleasant amazement Karl arrived in the chat room!  Karl has been at sea for six months and is still not  back home in Saipan.  He docked in Portland, where he had a chance to visit with Steve Baldwin, and was chatting with us from Sacramento.  He flies back to Saipan on October 2 and plans to visit Manila at the end of October.  

Jeff Brown said Mabuhay for the last time from the States.  His next Mabuhay will be from Toronto, where he's moving to next weekend. 

Chatting this month were:

74

August 2003

Nine alums from four decades ( '50s to '80s) made chismis for a good four hours in the first chat since Reunion 2003.    

The Great Blackout was initially the main discussion topic.  Andy Butler, in Detroit, was affected as was Dave McConeghey in NYC.  Dave was filming a commercial for a Viagra spin off when the power failed and had to walk home, but it wasn't too a long distance. (A friend of his had to walk 6-8 miles.)  Sue Samara advised that her town in New Jersey was about the only area in the state that kept its power. Edina Brayton was fine in Baltimore.

Highlights of Reunion 2003 were relived, including the balut eating demonstration put on by John Paul ("JP") DeMeyer ('72).  Many alums had never seen balut eaten before and it was captured on digital video for posterity. (Photos are forthcoming on the AISAAM website.)

Jeepney Jeopardy 2 provided many howling belly laughs and overall rowdiness that make these reunions so much fun.  A new category titled "View It" required the answer to be demonstrated.  Moro team member Rich Guardian (73) protested that another team's demonstration of "How a pinoy sits when there is no chair" was not correct since it failed to include crotch scratching and then gave everyone the authentic view.  Although the crowd roared its approval for his point, the judge ruled against Rich, whose performance was nevertheless recognized with the MB (Most Bastus) award.  

Another crowd favorite was in Tagalog-English wordplay: an orange flavor powdered drink mix, "mother" in Tagalog, and one of the 3 Stooges.   Answer: Tang ina moe!

Most of the alums chatting knew at least one of Julie Faircloth's many siblings.  Perhaps a future Jeepney Jeopardy question should be: name all the Faircloth alums.

In another "small Manila world" story, it turns out that Linda Reed (54) socialized with Andy Butler's (72) parents after graduating AS and had been in their house when he was less than 5 years old.  She remembers receiving their annual Christmas cards, which Andy still has.

Liz Hamra mentioned that her sister Rose may be moving to the US.  Susie Samara is looking into moving and Florida is a candidate. Also, Ann Russell may be leaving Seattle.

Chatting this month were:

74

July 2003

A dozen alums made chismis for a good four hours in the last chat before Reunion 2003.  Most of the alums chatting are attending the reunion and talked about their travel plans.  Andy Butler, Steve Fellerman and Ann Russell will all arrive in the area a week before the reunion, but Andy may continue on to Oregon for a family reunion.

Diana Bomar is looking forward to seeing everyone, especially veterans of the 2001 DC reunion.  Jeff Brown won't be able to make the reunion since he'll soon be moving to Toronto.  

Tom Larson, who'll be hosting Jeepney Jeopardy, advised that there'll be mostly new questions in Santa Clara so alums who attended the '99 event or have seen the tape will not have an advantage. 

Cho MacArthur pleasantly surprised everyone by joining the chat.  She had Steve Fellerman in a tizzy three different times with some playful teasing.  But everyone lost control when she jokingly said there'd be no San Miguel at the reunion! It's not a reunion without San Miguel!

Sue Samara reported on recent trips she's made to Curacao and Puerto Rico. 

Chatting this month were:

June 2003

Ten alums spanning three decades chatted for 3 1/2 hours, including first timers Dawn Campman (55), Barney Carville (74), and Edina Brayton (80) who were all given big Mabuhays.  Regular host Andy Butler was MIA due to XP's extraordinary power to be a pain in the puet. 

Rick Velayo was only able to stay for an hour before leaving for dinner at a Singaporean restaurant.  He's looking forward to seeing everyone in Santa Clara. 

Steve Baldwin checked in from his new home in Portland, where he's working for the popular fitness company Nautilus.  (Soon, he can head for the cherry orchards around Hood River for fresh-picked Bing cherries at 50 cents a pound.)

Pete Labahn is leaving for Cabo San Lucas to sail back a 37-footer over two weeks.  He'll have some stories to tell in Santa Clara about that adventure...seguro !  Our other nautical chatter, Joelle Williams, is involved in a 200 boat event on her coast and delayed working on event name tags to chat with us.  May the weather be with you!

Shawn Palmer checked in for the first time this year, but as a relatively new mother she has a good excuse for a long absence.  The latest "A" (all her children's names begin with that letter) will be 2 in August.  She advised Steve Fellerman she'll be close to him for July 4th when she visits Panama City Beach but sayang....Steve will be at World Golf Village in St. Augustine, his favorite long weekend destination.

Barney Carville updated Steve F. on his "school photos" project.  Barney has a CD full of photos made from old negatives.  He's going to enhance them before passing them on to Steve, hopefully at the Santa Clara reunion, for posting at either AISAAM or Steve's Spencer Court site. 

Edina Brayton noted she'll be getting married soon and promised to send Steve a photo after the wedding for posting to the AISAAM site.  She's in Baltimore and Joelle invited her to join in on the "Capital City alums" get togethers.

Joyce Gamber arrived after Rick Velayo had left for dinner.  Even though they live in the same city, they see each other more at these chats than they do in person, due to different schedules.  Joyce advised she'll only be in Santa Clara on Sunday because she's "on call" with her law enforcement job all day on Saturday.

Dawn Campman shed some light on the "old days" at AS; she and other Sangley students used to ride amphibious assault landing craft from Sangley to the Army-Navy Club to get to school.  (Sangley went from sending students to AS to having its own school and then sending students to ISM again before the base closed.)

Jeff Brown advised he wasn't sure whether he would make it to Santa Clara.  He may be going to Toronto.

Chatting this month were:

74

May 2003     No chat this month

April 2003

Nine alums chatted for 3 1/2 hours, with the California alums having to endure high winds and heavy rain which threatened their connections.

Anna Duys thrilled the "regulars" with her appearance after a long absence.  Alums became wistful when she mentioned that she works in the Bacardi complex and can buy it for $3 a bottle.  Rick Velayo had just finished asking her how to call her brother Johnny, who lives on the other side of the Golden Gate bridge, when....Johnny arrives in the chat room!  

Susan Jackson expressed concern about this being her first chat but she was soon chatting away just like a regular and joining in with the repartees!  We hope to see Susan regularly...she's got that chat spirit!

A number of the alums have already made their plans for the Santa Clara reunion.  Steve Fellerman is arriving the weekend before to hang out in the Bay area for the week and hopes to persuade Andy Butler to join him.  Earl Cocke isn't sure whether 
he can make the reunion since he's best man at a wedding around that weekend.

This led into chatting about past and possible future reunions.  Jeff Phillips and Rick Velayo got together recently to view the tape from Terry Euyang's Saturday afternoon 70's classes mini-reunion during the 1999 San Jose reunion.  Terry's mini-reunion featured the high profile "Jeepney Jeopardy" quiz competition will make an encore at the Santa Clara reunion.  (Brush up on your PI trivia now!)  There was discussion about converting the tape and Earl's video of the 1998 Bahamas reunion cruise into DVD format.

Interest in another cruise reunion was expressed.  Earl mentioned there are 4-night cruises out of New Orleans.  Steve noted there  is a possibility that Columbus Day weekend mini-reunion "tatlo" (3) will be organized in New Orleans for 2004.  If so, perhaps there can be a "land" reunion during a weekend and a cruise reunion for the "die-hard party animals" the week before or after that.  Imagine a full week of reunion partying...naku!  

All this travel talk brought up airport security procedures.  Joyce Gamber noted that in California they ask whether you have any dental wear and, if so, you have to remove it for examination.  Steve said he's never been asked about dental wear in Florida, which focuses on boots; if you're wearing them, they have to go through the X-ray machine...without you.  So if you're leaving Florida in back of someone with boots, be prepared for a possible "mabaho moment."    

Andy Butler is heading for the Keys next week and will stop in Orlando on the way back home to visit with Liz Hamra and her sister Rose, who is visiting from Manila.

Chatting this month were:

74

March 2003

Almost a dozen alums toasted the arrival of Spring by looking forward to the August AISAAM reunion while recalling our days in Manila.

Almost 25 years of school "history" was present between Steve Fellerman ('57-'70) and Teri McCarthy ('70-'81), whose parents are still in Manila.  Of course, there was some "generational gap" - Teri and fellow '80's era alum Jeff Brown recalled their partying at Shakey's and Tia Maria's, neither of which existed when Steve was there.  

Why reunions are so fun was made apparent when Teri and Jeff said they believed they had met at the '99 AISAAM reunion....and then Jeff asked Teri if that was her room he was in at 6 AM!  (Ay naku!)  

Joyce Gamber and Lisa Madsen learned of a "connection" during their Manila days - Lisa dated Joyce's brother John.  Joyce advised that John will be coming to the Santa Clara reunion in August.

A quick gas price "survey" revealed that Florida is low at about $1.73 and the west is high at over $2 in California and Washington.  Since Steve's only paying $13 a day for a rental car in Las Vegas next month, he may pay more for the gas than the car!

Rose Hamra, visiting from Manila for the wedding of sister Liz's daughter (Layla), reported that there is tension in Manila over terrorism in Mindanao coming to Manila. 
Liz is still not sure whether she' moving to the DC area. 

After everyone but the host had left the chismis room, the Australian delegate arrived.  Lisa reported that life has been quite hectic for her.  She's not completely recovered from back surgery in December and her firm was taken over this week.

Chatting this month were:

74

February 2003

Steve Fellerman, enjoying fairly warm Florida weather, asked alums "how many inches" they had;  Freddy Gleeck quickly took the bait and replied that it was 80 degrees in Vegas and that he had 11 inches.  This is why alums love Freddy; we know he will always rise to the occasion.... (Note: any "complaints" about the carousing at these chats can be e-mailed to bastusboy@putanginamo.us, Steve's new portal to his websites.  Chismis, alum news, photos and Vegas casino chips also appreciated.)

Freddy mentioned that one of Steve's classmates, Pam Ragan, was now in the US and had helped Freddy buy some property in New Jersey.  And he announced that he married Danielle on January 18.  Joelle reported that the Capital Club alums had socialized with Ann Mitchell (71) and her new husband Thom, who had been with her at the 2001 DC Retro reunion and were married earlier this year.  And Liz Hamra (74) advised that her sister Rose was visiting from Manila for a family wedding.

Pete LaBahn (73) is planning a trip to the PI next year.  Pete retires from law enforcement in 5 years and is thinking about living in the PI after retirement.    

Phil Adamson, who has always provided reliable advance info about the PI, advised alums to be on the lookout for "interesting developments" in the next few weeks.  The last time Phil predicted "interesting developments," Abu Sayyef was ambushed within a month and its leader purportedly killed.  Phil also mentioned that Jeff Cole (72) will be working at the US Embassy in Manila soon.

Dave McConeghey (69), a/k/a "the alum who told off Letterman on his own show," advised that he was a contender for a nude scene on Letterman but that the role went to someone else.  Think of the exposure AS/IS alums might have had...!

Chatting this month were:

74

Jeff Brown, single-handedly representing the entire 80's era, is planning on buying a cottage on 36 acres with 3/4 mile lakefront in Ontario, 350 miles north of Toronto.  (That far in the Great White North, there's no electricity.)

Trish Lucas advised that she's already made her hotel reservation for Gala Reunion 2003.  Since she's coming from western Australia, she's a contender for "alum who traveled the furthest" honors.  Lynn Butler is planning to attend the reunion too but it's not as far from Manila.  Rick Velayo, who was sorely missed in Las Vegas, will be there too!  

Tom Larson's going to enjoy a very special Valentine's weekend...in "Nawlins.  (That's "New Orleans" for those who don't speak southern.)  Joelle Williams favors Central Grocery for a muffuletta; Steve Fellerman favors Luigi's. (Heck, they're all sarap! Just leave room for the cafe au lait and beignets at cCafe du Monde...)      

Chatting this month were:

2003 archive

2002 archive 

2001 archive

2000  archive

1998-99 archive